Do you Know your Credit Score?

By Samantha Asher

You have probably seen that commercial that asks you if you know your credit score. They give you a range that tells you where your credit score is supposed to be, and they discuss the importance of understanding your credit score and bringing it up to where it should be.

If you do know your credit score, that is great, but there is more to it. You need to have a very good credit score. Not just good, but excellent. Your credit score is a rating of your credit. It is like a grade on a history test, except it's a grade on your credit. Your credit history can be summed up in a credit report. You can get a free copy of your credit card at either of the links below.

If you pay your bills on time every time, it will show in your credit history. If you rarely pay your bills on time or at all, that will also show in our credit history, and negatively. Your report shows a history of how well you are in paying back lenders. This goes for any loan from car loans to student loans, credit cards to home mortgages. They all count and any of them can make or break your credit.

The credit bureaus compile your credit history into a report and then give it a score called your credit score. Why do they do this? The next time you apply for a loan whether it's a car loan, home mortgage, credit card, or other type of loan, the lender or creditor will request a copy of your credit report.

You credit score is critical when getting alone. Sure, they look at your income and job stability, but it's your credit that is the deciding factor as to whether or not they'll lend you the money. You must have good credit to get a loan.

When lenders lend you money, they are taking you on as a risk. If they see that you never pay people back or that you always pay late, how can they trust that you'll pay them? They can't, and that's why they turn down your loan.

Even if you get a loan with a not-so-good credit history, the terms of the loan will be pretty bad. For example, you might show that you make a lot of late payments, so they give you a loan with a high interest rate and they only give you a small amount of money.

It's very likely that you will need a loan at some point in your life. Always keep an eye on your credit by checking your credit reports once a year. You can get free copies at the links below.

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