If you’ve ever obtained a mortgage or car loan, it’s likely your credit history and personal credit score have been checked in order for you to receive that loan.
Understanding your credit score and taking steps to improve it can help you maintain a healthy financial outlook.
The importance of credit
In the simplest terms, credit is money you borrow and promise to pay back, typically with interest. Types of credit include revolving credit, such as credit cards; automobile and personal loans; and home purchase, refinance and equity loans. Having access to credit is important, as it can be useful in times of emergencies, is sometimes more convenient than cash, and allows you to make large purchases. Responsibly using credit can help you to establish a strong credit score. However, misusing credit can potentially cause financial problems.
Strengthen your credit score
Credit scoring is predicated on factors including: your payment history, the level of outstanding debt, the length of your credit history, the number of inquiries on your report, and the types of credit present. By understanding your credit score, you can learn how to improve on each of these factors and try to boost your personal credit score.
- Improve your payment history by paying all your bills consistently and on time. Carefully consider any offers from creditors to “reduce” or “skip” payments before accepting
- Get current on delinquent accounts to reduce your outstanding debt and to avoid having delinquencies reported. Keep balances low on credit cards
- Build on your credit history. The longer you’ve had credit, particularly if it’s with the same credit issuers, the better for your credit score
- Think twice before applying for too much new credit. Don’t open accounts you don’t need, as inquiries made on your credit report could lower your score
- Diversify your credit. A large number of revolving credit accounts with open balances, for example, can result in a lower score than a combination of mortgage, installment and revolving credit balances.
Repairing and managing credit
A low credit score can translate into higher loan and credit card interest rates. It can also inhibit your ability to secure insurance, school loans, rental housing, utilities and even elective medical procedures.
If you have credit problems, work to repair your credit on your own or use a credit-counseling agency. Ask several agencies about services, fees and repayment plans before signing a contract. Beware any that ask you to pay up front or promise a quick fix – it may take years to repair credit legitimately.
If you find errors on your credit report, correct them as soon as possible. To dispute an error, contact the financial institution that reported it or go directly to the credit agency.
Provide all necessary details in writing. They then have 30 days to investigate, submit any corrections needed to credit agencies, and provide a written response.
To protect your credit in the future, create a budget and pay bills on time, every time. Consider fees, interest rates and monthly payments before obtaining new credit. The sooner you begin to re-establish good credit, the sooner you’ll improve your credit score.
Stay on top of your credit score