YORKTOWN, Va. – As part of its continuing efforts to help members who may have higher interest rates on their current loans now because of missed or late payments in the past, or members who plan to apply for a loan but have a blemished credit history, 1st Advantage FCU has launched its Credit Score Builder program. According to 1st Advantage, the cornerstone of the program is education – upon successful completion of a no-charge class presented by a Consumer Credit Counseling Service counselor, participants receive a certificate that, when taken to a credit bureau, will become part of their permanent file. After six months from the original loan date, the member can then request to have 1st Advantage reevaluate their credit report. If the CU determines there's been enough improvement, it will lower then interest rate on the member's loan.