There’s no way around it: Good credit is important.
A good credit history shows potential lenders that you have a track record of repaying borrowed money as agreed. That can reassure them that you're likely to do so in the future and are a desirable customer. A solid credit history can also be important to potential landlords, employers and, in many states, insurers. Here's a look at how good credit can benefit you.
1. Borrow money at a better interest rate
Scores above 740 typically qualify for the lowest mortgage rates available. Higher credit scores also can get lower interest rates on car loans. Lenders also consider things like your debt-to-income ratio, but in general, a good score and adequate disposable income position you well.
You can shoot for the highest credit score if you'd like, but it's unlikely to get you better terms than any other score in the excellent range.
2. Qualify for the best credit card deals
A strong credit history can help you qualify for the best credit cards, which include low interest rates, rewards and cash back. As well as helping you save money, these perks will encourage you to keep using your credit card — which can help your credit if you continue to pay on time and keep balances low compared to your credit limits.
A low- or no-interest credit card can also serve as a temporary emergency fund if the need arises, or it can allow you to take advantage of a business opportunity.
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Smartphones or cell phone upgrades can be expensive. But a good credit score may allow you to finance a phone at 0% interest. For example, Apple offers new phone financing through its own credit card or a loan from Citizens One Bank. The card and the loan both require a credit check for approval.
Much like a potential lender, a landlord may want to check your credit. How you've handled credit and payments overall gives insight into how likely you are to pay your rent on time every month. If your record has too many negative marks, getting that dream apartment may be difficult. Even if you’re able to rent with bad credit, your landlord may charge a higher security deposit or request a co-signer on the lease.
In order to predict potential losses on customers, some car insurance companies factor in credit-based scores when determining monthly premiums in states that allow this practice. You can't be turned down altogether on the basis of credit, but you're likely to pay higher premiums if your credit score is too low.
Before taking you on as a customer, a utility company might look at your credit report to get a sense of your payment history. If your credit history isn’t up to snuff, the utility company may require a deposit or ask for a letter of guarantee, in which a friend or family member agrees to pay your bill if you don't.
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7. Get a job
In some states, employers can request your credit report as part of your job application. You will know if they do; your consent is required.
Because the effects of good credit can be felt in so many parts of your life, it’s important to do what you can to help your credit. Paying your bills on time is a big part of the recipe, as is keeping credit card balances to less than 30% of your credit limits, and lower is better.
While older models of credit scores used to go as high as 900, you can no longer achieve a 900 credit score. The highest score you can receive today is 850. Anything above 800 is considered an excellent credit score.
A 780 credit score is Very Good, but it can be even better. If you can elevate your score into the Exceptional range (800-850), you could become eligible for the very best lending terms, including the lowest interest rates and fees, and the most enticing credit-card rewards programs.
It's recommended you have a credit score of 620 or higher when you apply for a conventional loan. If your score is below 620, lenders either won't be able to approve your loan or may be required to offer you a higher interest rate, which can result in higher monthly mortgage payments.
How long after paying off debt will my credit scores change? The three nationwide CRAs generally receive new information from your creditors and lenders every 30 to 45 days. If you've recently paid off a debt, it may take more than a month to see any changes in your credit scores.
It's a good idea to pay off your credit card balance in full whenever you're able. Carrying a monthly credit card balance can cost you in interest and increase your credit utilization rate, which is one factor used to calculate your credit scores.
The time it takes to raise your credit score from 500 to 700 can vary widely depending on your individual financial situation. On average, it may take anywhere from 12 to 24 months of responsible credit management, including timely payments and reducing debt, to see a significant improvement in your credit score.
Students classify those characteristics based on the three C's of credit (capacity, character, and collateral), assess the riskiness of lending to that individual based on these characteristics, and then decide whether or not to approve or deny the loan request.
How rare is an 800 credit score? An 800 credit score is not as rare as most people think, considering that roughly 23% of adults have a credit score in the 800-850 range, according to data from FICO. A score in this range allows consumers to access the best credit card offers and loans with the most favorable terms.
Plus, you're likely to get approved for lower interest rates, which can save you money in the long run. According to the latest credit score statistics, the average FICO score is 716, so a 720 is slightly above average. 67% of Americans have a score in this range or higher based on data from Experian®.
The average FICO credit score in the US is 717, according to the latest FICO data. The average VantageScore is 701 as of January 2024. Credit scores, which are like a grade for your borrowing history, fall in the range of 300 to 850.
Only 1.31% of Americans with a FICO® Score have a perfect 850 credit score. While a score this high is rare among any demographic, older generations are more likely to have perfect credit. Baby boomers make up a whopping 59.4% of the people with an 850 credit score.
You'll qualify for lower interest rates and higher credit limits. With an 800-plus credit score, lenders can offer you better deals. This is true whether you're getting a mortgage, an auto loan, or trying to score a better interest rate on your credit card.
While credit scores of 800 or above are labeled “exceptional,” a score of 750 will likely get you some of the best rates available for auto loans and mortgages. You'll also have access to some of the most attractive credit card products.
It's wise to work toward higher credit scores, but elite scores aren't necessary for many loans and credit cards. A good FICO Score (670 to 739) qualifies for many credit card and loan offers.
What are benefits of having a good credit score? - more loan offers to pick from. - better interest rates on your loans. a loan backed by collateral (something valuable such as a car, home, boat, etc.)
Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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