More Mortgages = Better Credit

Consumers carrying a mortgage have an average credit score of 713, 55 points higher than the average score of those with no mortgage, finds a study by credit reporting company Experian Consumer Direct. Consumers with two mortgages have an average credit score of 739, 81 points higher than the score of those without. Experian has not suggested a reason for the difference but said, "Although consumers with mortgages have on average...more debt...they seem to be keeping their credit in check despite the additional financial responsibility," Says Ty Taylor President.