The Secrets To Building Good Credit
Building good credit is important if you want to be able to borrow money in the future. A good credit score will also help you get lower interest rates on loans and credit cards. Here are some tips to help you build good credit:
Make your payments on time
One of the most important things you can do to build good credit is to make your payments on time. This includes your mortgage, car payments, credit card bills, and any other type of loan you have. If you have trouble remembering to make your payments on time, set up automatic payments from your bank account.
Keep your credit card balances low
Another important factor in your credit score is your credit utilization ratio. This is the amount of credit you are using compared to the amount of credit you have available. For example, if you have a credit limit of $1,000 and you owe $500, your credit utilization ratio is 50%. It’s best to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%.
Apply for credit only when you need it
Every time you apply for credit, it results in a hard inquiry on your credit report. This can temporarily lower your credit score. So, only apply for credit when you really need it.
Check your credit report regularly
It’s important to check your credit report regularly for accuracy. You’re entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus every year. You can request your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Use a credit monitoring service
Credit monitoring services can help you keep track of your credit score and credit report. They can also help you spot identity theft and fraud. Some credit monitoring services even offer alerts if there is a change in your credit score or credit report.