Do you know what your credit score is? Did you know it can impact upon mortgage abilities and car loans? Yeah! It’s a pretty sticky situation, if you’re not where you want to be or need to be.
Credit scores can seem daunting, but don’t worry, they are not to be feared. To help a girl out, I’ve collated all you need to know about credit scores, how to check yours and how to make it better!
What is it?
A credit score is essentially a on-line record of your finances. All your bank balances and credit accounts are collated into one record. A credit score is something that is checked by companies when you apply for any credit including car loans, credit cards and even mortgages. Your credit score is out a 1000 and naturally, the higher your score the higher chance you have of being offered and accepted for credit.
How to check yours.
There are lots of ways to check yours, some of which may charge. However, there are ample of free credit score checkers that enable you to look in closely at your score and what positive and negative factors you have.
The one I use freely is : Clear Score.
How you can improve yours.
Be on the electoral roll – Funnily enough, being on the electoral roll plays a huge impact on your credit score. Being on it proves to companies that you have a regular and permanent home. Be sure to be on it, whether you intend to vote or not. To register or check you are registered, click here.
Don’t keep applying for credit – Making regular applications for credit will only damage your credit score more. You may not be, but from a companies point of view, you are desperate for cash! Keep credit applications to a minimum.
Consolidate your debt – If you have credit cards and loans, consider consolidating your debt to a interest free credit card or plan. This could save you huge amounts on interest payments.
Don’t miss a payment – Do you sometimes miss payments? Have you been charged late fees? This will only impact your credit score negatively. Consider this when you choose a drink over paying your bill.
Only borrow when you need to – This is really important when looking to improve your credit score. Only borror extra funds when you absolutely need too. Using companies like Cash Lady are brilliant for getting cash fast, but always consider the impact it can have later on your credit score.
My overall advice.
Keep an eye on your credit score, even if you don’t intend to get more credit any time soon, it’s worth actively working on your credit score constantly, so when you do need credit, you have the best opportunity to get what you need. Credit scores seem scary, but they can be changed rather easily, with work.
Do you keep an eye on your credit score?
Do you have any tips for credit scores?
As always, let me know your thoughts in the comment section below!
Charlotte x
Just gave this a quick read as I am in the process of building my credit score. I moved from a place where credit does and doesn’t play a part of your life at the same time, it’s weird. So I had ZERO credit when I moved here and it’s been a struggle. While there are no new tips that can help me, and that’s okay!, I’m happy to see the one or two that were applicable are ones I’ve already done.