11 hidden things affecting your credit scoring, finance experts say

These surprising factors can affect this very large number.


Regarding your financial position, the realization and maintenance of a good credit score should be an absolute priority. The magic number is a determining factor each time you decide to buy a house or a vehicle, request a loan, start a business or open a new credit card . But even if you think you understand how to protect your rating, some less known factors can have an impact on your score without your opinion. Read the rest for the 10 hidden things that can affect your credit scoring, according to experts in finance.

In relation: 10 things you should stop buying your retirement, finance experts say .

1
Get rid of your credit cards too early

a stack of credit cards
Dropout

Those who have managed to get out of under a mountain of debts know that the sending finally in the last payment on a credit card can be incredibly liberating. It may even seem appropriate to reduce links with the company entirely at that time. However, experts warn that you may want to remember a little time before taking plastic scissors.

"The refund of your credit card debt is an important step which deserves to be celebrated. But although you may be tempted to close the account once it is paid to avoid adding a balance on the card , " Family finance expert Andrea Woroch tell Better life . AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"The time you have obtained from credit - also known as credit history - involves your credit scoring. You therefore want to keep the old accounts open. Add recurrent fees and configure yourself to pay full every month To keep it active, "she suggests.

2
Pay your bills on bad dates

Close up of a young woman doing her bills in the kitchen
istock

It is true that paying your bills regularly and keeping your expenses in check can increase your credit scoring. But depending on the experts, this can also be summed up exactly when you return the payment and how much you need on the whole when you do.

"You can also considerably increase your credit scoring by ensuring that your balance is low - or even $ 0 - when your declaration of firm credit card each month," said Robert Farrington , founder of The college investor . "For example, if your declaration closes on 15 of each month, make a payment for the full amount of the 10th. In this way, when your balance will publish, it will display 0 $ used - which can increase your credit scoring."

In relation: Always use money for these 5 purchases, say financial experts .

3
Do not keep the balance on your credit cards sufficiently low

close up on hands holding credit card and typing on laptop
istock

Everyone knows that managing a credit card is risky when you cannot afford to pay for what you spend. But even if you keep your purchases in check, your global balance could still work a little in less to be below its maximum and damage your score in the process.

"Credit scores are based on types of credit," explains Stouffer. "Renewable credit accounts have more impact because this type of account will always change. Is the acceptable upper limit.

However, this does not mean that you should live under a low ceiling forever. "If you have a small credit limit and your normal expenses frequently use a large quantity and affecting your credit scoring due to high use, call your credit card company and see if you are able to increase your credit limit, "explains Courtney Alev , financial defender of consumers to Credit karma .

Although it is preferable to increase your limit and your credit card expenses only if your income allows, you can always avoid this problem without making any changes. "If you are not comfortable to increase your credit limit and risk an increased temptation to spend, you can make payments by credit card more than once a month," said ALEV. "In this way, your balance never becomes too high."

4
Not have a mortgage

close up on one person's hands signing a contract while another person holds out a key
Comzé / Shutterstock images

Deciding to buy a house can be one of the most important financial decisions that someone takes in their life. Of course, having a good credit rating in the process can be essential. It turns out that experts say that taking charge of a mortgage may also be what increases your long -term credit score.

"The long -term loans show only payment models and reductions in the loan balance," said Stofer. "The absence of a mortgage will hold the scores, because it implies a lack of permanent foundation in residence., Some may be paid in full, and there is no late payment.

5
Have your credit score checked too often

Person checking their credit report on laptop and their phone
Dropout

You can say that one of the most frustrating parties to work hard to keep your credit scoring is that whenever it is examined by a potential lender, this can have consequences on your hard -won number. But experts say that staying aware of how others check your score is a way to keep it as high as possible.

"When you ask for a credit, the lender will generally make an investigation into your credit history. This is called a" hard demand ", and this can have a negative impact on your credit scoring," said Tommy Gallagher , former investment banker and founder of Best mobile banks . "However, there are also" requests for information ", which do not affect your credit scoring and are generally made by lenders for marketing purposes. This is why it is important to be aware of these requests difficult and ensure that they are not made without your consent. "

Gallagher stresses that most personal credit rating monitors use requests for information and can be easy to follow to monitor unexpected hard checks that may have a quick succession. And although you cannot avoid asking for several forms of funding due to a major decision or a major lifestyle change, you can avoid asking for too much credit cards in a short period of time.

6
Be the victim of a flight or identity fraud

Hand wearing a black glove hacking into laptop with two credit cards
Dropout

Nowadays, everyone knows that their personal information is a loss of liquidation data in the hands of someone who will use it for harmful means. But although you cannot control identity theft, you can keep your score much higher if you regularly monitor such violations, which is useful advice that some experts say that the general public does not practice enough.

"If your personal information has been compromised and used to open credit accounts on your behalf, this may have a major impact on your credit score," explains Gallagher. "It is important to regularly check your credit report and be vigilant on protecting your personal information to prevent this type of problem."

In relation: The 6 best small towns to retire .

7
Forget to configure automatic remuneration

A young couple sitting at the table checking their finances, while the man holds a small white dog.
Urbazon / Istock

Technology has facilitated certain aspects of daily life, but makes others more complicated. The passage through the daily dam of notifications to withdraw reminders and alerts really important in a sea of marketing notifications, for example, is a chore. This is why even if you see yourself organized when it comes to making your payments of monthly invoices, you can damage your credit scoring if you do not authorize the process.

"It's simple: make sure you never miss a payment," says Farrington. "You can help yourself by configuring the auto-debit, so that your payments are always paid in time. Also, don't forget that public services such as mobile phone bills, energy, water And even rent payments can all negatively affect your credit if you just miss a payment.

8
When you pay your rent

Pay Rent Note Made Using Red Marker In Paper Calendar
istock

For many, the dream of buying their first house is what encourages them to improve their credit. But now experts say you could help work towards this goal while praising.

"Paying your mortgage in time is ideal for building your credit scoring, but a third of household rents," said Scott Nelson , CEO of Moneynerd . "The tenants have historically missed the boat to build their credit scoring in this way, but that changes."

He explains that credit offices like Experian, Transunion and Equifax recently started to count rental payments to people's credit ratings when using third -party applications. The results also seem promising: a pilot program is managed for tenants by Fannie May saw their average pointing increase by 40 points after reporting their rent payments in time for a whole year, he says Better life .

"It is very encouraging because it is often the tenants who most need a credit rating when they prepare to buy a first house," he said. "The program also found that 82% of tenants say they pay rent in time and wish to be taken into account in their credit dimensions."

In relation: Irs issues a new alert in 5 things that you should declare on your taxes this year .

9
Accumulate

Close up on medical billing statement and health insurance claim form
Dropout

An unexpected accident or illness that lands you in the hospital is never an ideal situation. Insurance can cover the financial burden which can even follow a simple treatment. However, experts warn that it is important to stay at the top of what you need in their pocket.

"Medical invoices can unexpectedly affect your credit scoring if they have remained unpaid or sent to the collections," said Taylor Kovar , a certified financial planner and founder and CEO of 11 financial . "Even small medical debts can harm your credit if they are reported to credit offices."

It says that it is essential to carefully examine medical invoices, resolve the differences and work with health care providers to establish payment plans if you want to avoid any negative impact on your score.

10
You have invoices or unpaid fines

A pile of envelopes and mail with
Dropout

Although the payment of your time credit card bill may seem to be the most obvious way to improve or maintain your credit scoring is not the only thing that affects your credit. Kovar says that many people neglect the impact of public services payments, including mobile phone bills.

"Although they generally do not appear in traditional credit reports, public service companies can report missed or late payments to credit offices, which potentially reduces your score," he warns.

He adds that other payments can also take into account, including unpaid fines for parking violations or even the library delay costs. "Although these debts may not seem significant, recovery agencies can report them to credit offices if they have remained unpaid, resulting in negative notes on your credit report," said Kovar. "It is essential to respond quickly to all these types of debts to prevent them from harming your credit."

11
Be an authorized user on a credit card

A person handing a credit card to someone
istock

Sharing a credit card with someone can help young people learn healthy spending habits or couples to stay up to date. But if you plan to add someone else to your account, just know that he could have other impacts.

"Being an authorized user on another person's credit card may affect your credit scoring," explains Chad Gammon , a financial planner at Arnold and Mote Wealth Management . "This can help your credit scoring if the account is in order, but injured if the account is offender."

Best Life offers the most recent financial information of the best experts and the latest news and research, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the money you spend, save or invest, always consult your financial advisor directly.


Categories: Smarter Living
Tags:
By: marlee
How to become thin in one week: 12 simple daily tips
How to become thin in one week: 12 simple daily tips
A woman finds the bell snake living in her car for 2 weeks - where she was hiding
A woman finds the bell snake living in her car for 2 weeks - where she was hiding
Nearly 100 types of ice cream are recalled, says FDA
Nearly 100 types of ice cream are recalled, says FDA