What is a credit score? It can be described as a way to measure your financial health. Financing your studies, getting a car loan or a mortgage all depend on whether or not you have good credit.
In some instances, employers will even run a credit check on potential new hires. If you have poor credit, you won’t be hired because your economic responsibility might be linked with other critical characteristics. So, how do you build good credit? Let’s take a look.
How Do You Improve Your Credit?
Building up your credit score takes quite a bit of time and effort. For this reason, it’s recommended that you learn how to build credit at 18. Each transaction you make with one of your credit cards is recorded, and this means that you should be careful what you use them for. You also need to be sure to pay your bills.
Monitor Your Account
If you aren’t aware of this, you can get a free credit report every year. This is one way to make sure you’re not just building, but also maintaining a good credit score. Use this report to your advantage and gain an understanding of which actions have been beneficial and which may have been damaging. Additionally, check your report for any errors and report them as soon as possible in order to get them corrected on your report.
Only Borrow What You Can Afford
Having a credit card can give people sort of a false sense of security. One of the first things to keep in mind when borrowing money is that you need to repay this money on time with interest. When you use a credit card, you’re essentially borrowing money from the credit card issuer. Buying items you aren’t able to afford can quickly get you underwater with your finances – which is a big red flag for your future employers and lenders.
Pay on Time
Not to repeat anything, but this bears it – each of your transactions will be reflected through your credit history. Because of this, you have got to pay your bills on time. Even making a single payment late can damage your credit score and can cost you when it comes to interest rates. It can also lead to penalties and late fees that can be rather costly.
Get Approved
A good credit score has many benefits. One of them is that your credit applications will be approved more quickly and easily than those with lower scores. Since your history shows that you’re responsible when it comes to managing your finances, lenders will be more confident that you’ll pay them back on time.
Better Terms and Rates
A better credit score means that you qualify for lower interest rates. This can save you loads of money over time and enable you to pay off what you borrow at a faster pace. Additionally, you can use your credit score as a leverage tool when you negotiate for better terms.
Rewards
Many credit cards will give you access to benefits and rewards when you have a good credit score. From reward incentives like cashback offers on travel and dining to introductory offers, these perks can definitely be a benefit.
Doubtless, raising your credit score should be a goal for anyone who wants to live a comfortable life. Believe it or not, your creditworthiness has an impact on most, if not all of your financial dealings. It can even keep you from renting an apartment if it isn’t high enough! Because of this, you have to understand how important it is if you want to enjoy the money you work so hard for.
