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Living with a low credit rating can be worrisome and render you ineligible for loans and credit cards without a high interest rate attached. While it’s not the best thing to have a low credit score, it’s not impossible to repair your rating- if you’re willing to work at it. Consider these easy tips for improving your credit rating.
Credit cards
There are a few options with credit cards in terms of raising your credit score. First, if you already have a credit card, try your best to pay it off in full every month. If you’re not able to do this, at least make the minimum payments on time. This will show that you are aware of your debts and making an effort to pay them off.
If you don’t have a credit card, consider applying for one. Make small purchases on this card and be diligent in paying it off in full. Taking out a credit card and not ever using it will not help your credit score. They want to know you can borrow money and pay it back responsibly.
If you are currently paying off a credit card, you can still consider taking out a second card. This is risky if you are an impulse shopper! ONLY take this step if you are sure you can be diligent in using this card only for small purchases and be sure to pay it off on time every month. If you are serious about raising your score, you have to be serious about not over-spending.
Also, keep in mind that it’s not the best idea to max out your credit cards or, conversely, to cancel one. These events raise flags in your credit score, even if you have paid off the balance completely.
Debt
If you are already swimming in debt and it’s affecting your credit score negatively, it’s a good idea to make a payment plan and stick to it. Even if you are just slowly digging away at your debt, an organised and consistent payment plan will reflect positively on your credit score (though it won’t fix it completely, it’s a good first step!)
Loans
Taking out a manageable personal loan that you can easily pay off will also help boost your credit score. Unlike a credit card, you don’t necessarily have to spend the money you get from the loan- just be sure to pay it off with monthly payments.
It’s always a good idea to pay your bills- all of them- on time and in full. Also, keep an eye on your credit score. It is a reflection of your spending and financial habits and the information is available to you. It’s better to know now than be surprised later.
Do you have any credit-score-raising tips? Tell us about them in the comments below.
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December 8, 2023
finance