Experian Studies Effects of Debt on Consumer Credit Scores

Experian has announced the results of a nationwide study on the effects of debt on consumer credit scores.

Some consumers may think that debt will always have an adverse effect on their credit score. Debt by itself is not a negative factor as long as it is managed well and consumers are not extending themselves beyond their means.

In fact, the national average credit score for consumers with debt above the national average is higher than the average credit score for those with debt below the national average.

The study reported U.S. consumers' average debt of $11,224, 12 percent higher than last year's $10,024. National and statewide results for the study can be found on the Experian National Score Index(SM) Web site at http://www.nationalscoreindex.com.