What’s Your Number? 5 Guaranteed Tips To Improve Your Credit Score

By Naida Marin | December 21, 2020

Who would’ve thought that a particular number can define the limit of what we can get? You read that right. This specific number is what some companies and institutions look at when deciding whether to grant us a loan for various purposes, whether a car loan, home credit, business loan or a mortgage. And this particular number is called our credit score.

To simply put, a credit score is a number ranging from 300 to 850 that depicts how creditworthy you are as a consumer. Your credit history – an integrated contributing factor that makes up your credit score – includes repayment history, number of open accounts, and more.

Lenders use many factors as their basis in deciding whether to lend you money or not. With this being said, you need to improve your credit score now! The tips below will certainly help you a lot in doing this. Read on.

Pay Your Bills On Time, Seriously.

Almost everyone who has a good credit score will tell you this: pay your bills on time. It is one of the most effective strategies to up your credit score. Specifically, when you pay your bills on time for six months or more, it will make a massive difference in your credit history. Remember that late payments will last longer on your credit history than on-time payments.

But don’t worry because Crediful.com can help you keep up with your bills and pay them on time. And most people with a good credit score owe it to them. So, you decide. Moreover, paying your bills on time should not be a forced habit but an attitude to maintain. It won’t hurt if you’re diligent enough to pay your bills and show that you’re a responsible consumer. So, again, you decide.

Whatever You Do, Don’t Close A Credit Card Account.

It may be tempting to do this, especially when you have old or unused credit card accounts, but please, do not do this. It will give you more worries than relief. Closing a credit card account means that you will lose that card’s credit limit, which is essential when lenders calculate your credit utilization ratio.

Moreover, closing credit card accounts will lead to a lower credit score and will undeniably hurt your future transactions. One suggestion is to keep all your credit card accounts open and use them occasionally so that it will reflect on your overall credit history. Remember, the more extensive your credit history and a good credit record, the better you are from the lender’s eyes.

Mix and Match Will Do The Trick.

To better up your credit score and ultimately get exclusive offers, you need to mix your credit. It would be best if you consider having an installment account and a revolving credit. Revolving credit is a type of account that lets you borrow money on a specific limit and pay it back over time. It can remain open as long as you maintain good standing—perhaps the most common type of revolving credit are credit cards.

Installment accounts, on the other hand, have fixed payments that you should pay every month. This includes mortgage loans, auto loans, personal loans, and more. If you don’t have any installment loan, you can start by opening small secured loans.

Learn How Your Score Is Calculated.

There are five contributing factors to determine your score, and if you want to boost it, you better have the know-how on what makes up your credit score. Below is a brief description of the five primary factors affecting your credit score.

 

• Payment history. As stated above, your payment history can make a significant difference in your credit score. It accounts for 35% of your score and shows lenders how responsible you are on your payments.

• The total amount owed. Accounting for 30% of your credit score, and considers the percentage of available credit a person has.

• Length of credit history. Your credit history shows how much of a risk you are to lenders, and the longer credit histories you have, the less risky you’ll be. It accounts for 15% of your credit.

• Types of credit. The types of credit you have can significantly affect your score. It accounts for 10% of your credit and shows if you have a mix of credit.

• New credit. New credit accounts for 10% of your credit score and includes newly opened accounts.

 

Be Responsible and Make It A Habit.

It may seem like an understatement, but being responsible for all your obligations can turn your life around. Imagine getting exclusive offers from lenders when you get a credit score of 800 because you were responsible enough. That is the ultimate reward you can ever get. Keep in mind that your hard work now will pay off immensely later.

Takeaway

Credit scores are what defines us in the lender’s eyes. That’s why it is a must to improve our score to get higher offers and exclusive deals. Use the tips above to guarantee a massive boost in your credit score and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.