Watch CBS News

ConsumerWatch: San Francisco Ranks High In Credit Score Survey

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) -- The economy has been rough, but there are still people in the Bay Area that can brag about having a high credit score.

According to a nationwide study of credit scores by credit bureau Experian, San Francisco ranks fifth out of 143 cities. San Francisco is one of the only metropolitan cities to pierce the top ten, and the only city in California to make the top 20.

Wausau, Wisconsin topped the Experian survey, where lower levels of unemployment and debt seemed to have paid off. Las Vegas and Bakersfield were at the bottom of the list, two areas hit hard by foreclosures and high unemployment.

Credit experts point out, while using too much credit is bad, using too little credit can also hurt credit scores. Consider paying small recurring bills with credit, paying off the balance each month.

Another useful tool is AnnualCreditReport.com. The site will not give you a score, but can give you free reports from the three credit bureaus.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.