Like a financial barometer, the credit score has a significant bearing on momentous life decisions. It is a determining factor when contemplating a first-time home purchase, procuring a vehicle loan, or applying for a superior credit card.
In this blog, we will elucidate the complexities surrounding credit scores and offer guidance on the path toward achieving commendable credit stature.
4 Effective Ways to Improve Your Credit Score
Given below are the top 4 effective ways that you can follow to improve your credit score before applying for loans or credit cards:
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Pay Your Bills on Time
Timely payment of bills is the cornerstone of a healthy credit profile. Every time you make a payment – be it for a credit card, a loan instalment, or any other form of credit – it gets recorded. These records paint a picture of your reliability as a borrower, and nothing speaks more loudly of financial responsibility than punctuality in settling dues.
When you consistently pay your bills on time, it demonstrates to lenders that you are trustworthy and can manage your financial obligations well. In contrast, missed or late payments can have a detrimental effect on your credit score. Such negative markers can remain on your credit report for years, signalling to potential lenders that lending to you might be riskier.
Moreover, timely payments save you from unnecessary late fees and additional interest. They also prevent the accrual of compounding interest on outstanding amounts, which can quickly balloon into unmanageable debts. In essence, the simple act of paying bills on time can save money, reduce stress, and pave the way for a robust credit score.
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Maintain Credit Utilisation Ratio
The credit utilisation ratio is a metric that compares the amount of credit you’re using to your total credit limit. For example, if you have a credit card with an INR 2,00,000 limit and you’ve used INR 40,000, your credit utilization ratio stands at 20%. Financial experts often recommend keeping this ratio below 30%, but the lower, the better.
If you’re maxing out your card or getting close to it, lenders might think you’re in a tight spot and might be hesitant to give you more credit or better deals. But if you’re only using a small chunk of your limit, it makes you look responsible and more appealing to them.
The best way to keep this ratio in check? Try to clear your card dues every month. If that’s tough, at least keep the outstanding balance low. And don’t rush to close old card accounts or boost your credit limits without a good reason. Doing that can mess with your ratio and might even ding your credit score.
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Maintain Credit Mix
Diversity is not only valuable in life but also when it comes to credit. Your credit mix, or the types of credit accounts you have, constitutes a significant portion of your credit score. Lenders like to see a combination of both revolving credit (like credit cards) and instalment loans (like mortgages or auto loans) on your credit report.
Maintaining a diverse credit mix signals to potential lenders that you’re capable of managing different types of credit responsibly. For example, regularly paying off a credit card shows you can handle revolving credit, while timely payments on a car loan demonstrate your reliability with instalment loans.
However, this doesn’t mean you should open various credit accounts just to diversify your credit mix. Only take on credit when necessary and ensure you can manage it responsibly. Remember, it’s not just about having a mix but also about how you handle that mix.
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Use Tools to Monitor Your Credit Management
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and the journey to an excellent credit score begins with a well-structured plan.
There are multiple fantastic tools for those looking to make strides in improving their credit score. They offer personalized insights and analysis, enabling you to be on top of your credit management and to understand what actions can lead to an improved score.
With a clear plan in place, based on your unique financial situation and habits, you can work methodically to improve your credit score over time.
Conclusion
Remember, a good credit score is more than just a number – it’s your ticket to financial freedom.
With the right tools and a bit of know-how, you’ll find that boosting your credit score is totally doable. By keeping a vigilant eye on your credit score, getting to grips with what shapes it, putting a solid improvement plan into action, and borrowing the smart way, you’re well on your way to hitting your credit score targets.
Whether you’re after a free credit score report, keen on applying for a personal loan or looking for personalised insights to stay on top of your credit game, OneScore is your go-to buddy in your journey to top-notch credit health and to get credit score assistance.