The Importance of a Good Credit Rating

The percentage of consumer purchases that are completed through the use of cash transactions is steadily declining. For years the trend in spending has been linked to the use of loans and credit. Without utilizing these purchase methods, it would be all but impossible for individuals to obtain high-ticket items such as houses or cars. Additionally, these methods are a convenient way for individuals to purchase smaller scale items ranging from gasoline to household appliances. However, the use of credit and loans are often limited by a person’s credit rating.

A credit rating is a reflection of an individual’s payment history. It is typically measured by a tool known as a credit report. There are 3 main companies who provide these financial tools and they are known as credit reporting agencies, or credit bureaus. (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union) Each time that a person charges money on a card, or borrows funds from a lending institution, this information is noted on their customized report. Every month creditors provide the bureaus with updates in regards to the customer’s financial information.

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Each credit report is assigned a score which correlates to an individual’s financial condition and payment history. If a person has established a level of credit, has paid his bills on time, and is not overextended, then he would typically warrant a high score. Conversely, if an individual has high levels of outstanding debt, has a poor payment history, or has not established any credit, then the corresponding score would be quite low.

A credit report, and particularly the score, is very relevant to a person’s life. Each time that an individual applies for a loan or for credit of any kind, the lender will view a copy of the report. A negative score will indicate a poor credit risk which often results in a denial or an inflated interest rate. In other words, a person’s credit rating can affect everything from purchasing a home to getting a low rate Visa. In fact, it may even hold ramifications for future employment, as many companies are now using credit reports to screen applicants.

With so much at stake, it is very important to take the necessary precautions to maintain clean credit. Many people learn the hard way that it is much easier to maintain good credit from the beginning than it is to repair credit that has been damaged. However, if you find yourself on the wrong end of the credit score, don’t despair. There are measures that can be taken to restore your financial stability.