In this blog post, we will be talking about how to build a strong credit score and how exactly a strong credit score can benefit you. However, before we delve into the nitty-gritty of the post, what exactly is a credit score? What is a credit score and how does it affect me? A credit score is a three-digit number that summarises the information in a person’s credit report. It is used by lenders to assess an individual’s creditworthiness AKA, their likelihood to pay back a loan or credit in full and crucially,z on time. The score is typically calculated using information obtained from the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Generally, the higher a person’s credit score, the better their creditworthiness is considered to be, simple stuff really. Credit scores range from 300 to 850, with scores above 720 considered to be excellent and scores below 580 considered to be poor. A person’s credit score is based on a variety of factors, including payment history, credit utilisation rate, credit type, number of accounts, and the length of their credit history. It’s important to keep an eye on your credit score as it can affect your ability to qualify for loans, credit cards, and other financial products.

Having a strong credit score is important for financial stability and success. Your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness and measures the level of risk that a lender is willing to take when they extend credit to you. It factors in your payment history, total amount of debt, length of credit history, new credit activity, and types of credit you have used. A strong credit score shows a lender that you are a responsible borrower capable of managing your finances, which can help you qualify for more favourable loan terms and better interest rates. Your credit score also affects your ability to get housing, insurance, and various utility services. So it really is paramount that you pay off your debts as quickly as you can and you upkeep various other payments! 

The benefit of having a strong credit score

Okay so now we know what a credit score is, how does having one strong one benefit you? We touched on it briefly beforehand but having a strong credit score can benefit you in the long run by helping you build a secure financial future. As you pay off debt, build a sound credit history, and demonstrate your financial responsibility, your credit score will continue to improve, which can make it easier for you to obtain financing when you need it. A strong credit score can also help you save money in the long run by securing you better loan terms and interest rates.

Building your credit score

Below I will outline 9 steps on how to build and maintain a good credit score, with these steps in mind you’ll be well on your way to having the stability that a good or even great credit score permits you! 

Step 1: Check Your Credit Report - The first step in building a strong credit score is to check your credit report. You can request a free credit report from all three of the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year. This will give you a snapshot of your financial history, which can help you make more informed decisions about your credit.

Step 2: Pay Your Bills on Time - Paying your bills on time is one of the most important steps in building a strong credit score. Late payments can have a significant impact on your score, so make sure to pay all your bills on time each month.

Step 3: Keep Your Credit Card Balances Low- Having a high balance on your credit card can negatively affect your credit score. Make sure to keep your credit card balances low and pay off the full balance each month. This will demonstrate that you are responsible with your credit and can help you build a strong credit score.

Step 4: Monitor Your Credit Report- It's important to monitor your credit report for any activity that could have an adverse effect on your credit score. Make sure to check your report regularly for any errors or inaccurate information that could be hurting your score.

Step 5: Use Credit Cards Wisely- Using credit cards wisely is another important step in building a strong credit score. Make sure to use your credit cards responsibly and pay off the balance in full each month. This will demonstrate that you are using your credit responsibly and can help boost your credit score. Even paying slightly extra each month can influence your credit score favourably. 

Step 6: Don’t Close Old Credit Cards- Closing old credit cards can have a negative impact on your credit score, so make sure to keep your oldest credit cards open. This will help keep your credit history long and demonstrate to lenders that you are responsible for your credit.

Step 7: Obtain Additional Credit- Having additional forms of credit is another great way to build a strong credit score. Obtaining additional credit cards or loan products can help show lenders that you can manage multiple accounts responsibly.

Step 8: Avoid Opening New Accounts- It is important to avoid opening new accounts unless absolutely necessary, whilst they can showcase that you can manage multiple accounts responsibly opening too many credit accounts can have a negative impact on your credit score, so make sure to only open new accounts when absolutely necessary! 

Step 9: Be Patient- Building a strong credit score takes time, so make sure to be patient. It can take several months for your efforts to show on your credit report, so make sure to stay disciplined and consistent in your efforts to build a strong credit score.

By following these easily digestible steps you’ll be racking up your credit score in no time, patience and dedication are truly the way to approach this situation. Good things come to those who wait. I hope this blog has helped you to begin devising a way in which to build up your credit score.