Your credit score can influence the quality of your life. You may get turned down due to your credit score; you may get the best shopping experience thanks to the perks of a good credit score. With a good credit score, you can enjoy lower insurance costs, a higher chance of obtaining a good job, and a stronger chance of getting a new credit card.
Here are five good ways that you can effectively improve your credit score.
Ways You Can Improve Your Credit Score
1. Apply for different financial products
A way to improve your credit score is to apply for different financial products, such as a personal loan in the Philippines or a credit card. Suppose you manage to prove to financial institutions that you can repay a credit card, personal loan, or a financial product you have recently obtained. In that case, you will establish a reputation as a credible customer among lenders.
The ability to successfully pay off two simultaneous financial products is an accomplishment. It also is one of the best ways to boost your credit rating.
2. Pay your bills on time
How well you pay your bills is a huge factor that impacts your credit rating. However, your payment history may account for the biggest impact on your credit score.
Credit scores are determined by these five:
- Payment history (35%)
- Credit usage (30%)
- Age of credit accounts (15%)
- Credit mix (10%)
- New credit inquiries (10%)
These rubrics are in accordance with FICO. With payment history accounting for a large chunk of your credit score, you must pay your bills on time. To pay them on time, you can automate your bill payments and create a due date tracking system with your phone. Moreover, the time commitment required to pay your bills on time is low. However, consistency will be key.
3. Clarify and rectify any errors
Your credit record is another important component of your overall credit score. A mistake, no matter how small, can affect your credit score. You can get your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus and request a copy of your credit record. From there, you can check for any mistakes or outdated information.
4. Spend within your credit limit
When applying for a loan here in the Philippines, your previous credit history becomes critical. For example, if you have credit cards that have been maxed out or used irresponsibly, these will impact the likelihood of receiving your loan. However, suppose you manage to keep your credit card spending to as low as 30% of your credit card limit. In that case, lending institutions will note it as responsible financial behavior and be considered better deals for financial products.
5. Utilize a secured credit card
This type of credit card uses a cash deposit. You can pay for a secured credit card upfront, and the deposit amount has the same value as your credit limit. You can use your secured credit card the same way you normally do a regular credit card. However, as time passes, your on-time payments aid in helping you increase credit. Building your credit with this method takes as long as seven months.
