It is smart to keep monitoring your score while at the same time minimizing credit applications that necessitate hard credit checks that knock a few points off your rating.
Credit inquiries can either be soft or hard, based on who is pulling your credit and the purpose for it. A hard pull refers to when the lender gains access to your credit report after you have made an application for credit. It also applies to collection agencies carrying out a skip trace. It implies that it will reflect on your credit report and is utilized when determining your credit score. Soft pull results when you check your credit score on your own.
Effect of hard credit pulls
Borrowers are usually concerned about the risk of their credit score decreasing when it is checked after applying for a loan. A hard credit inquiry results in a drop of the credit score when checked. The financial institution requests a consumer report to underwrite the credit. The bureau providing the report logs a hard check, which appears on your report instantly. Other lenders are also able to see this information. Each inquiry shows on your report except when you are shopping for car loans or mortgage or refinance your student loan.
Effect of soft credit pulls
A soft credit check doesn't have any impact on your credit score. It takes place when a person or company checks your credit report when doing a background check, as well as when conducting a check by yourself. You need to check your credit score and report, especially when you have concerns regarding identity theft and reporting errors. If your score drops, it means a fraudster might have obtained credit under your name and not paid for it, or information recorded in your report is erroneous. Checking your credit regularly helps you track positive changes that could boost your morale in improving you score.
What is a credit score
A credit score is needed for you to be able to get a loan or credit. The reason behind this is because it will help financial institutions to determine your creditworthiness. They will also see every loan that you made and the payment history that you have. Find out more about it by reading the information below.
Credit scores are calculated based on the proprietary algorithm. This will include the person's outstanding debts, payment history, and the length of the individual's credit history.
Credit scores can range from 300 to 850. The higher the individual's score, the lower the risk. People who have lower credit scores are considered high risk, which will make lending companies ask for more requirements.
About Fico scores
Fair Isaac Corporation is the one who established FICO, and it is one of the most commonly used credit scoring systems today.
According to FICO, 90% of the most reputable and respected lenders today are making decisions according to this kind of credit scoring system. Get to know more about Fico scores by reading the information below.
How are credit scores calculated?
The weight of each of the five categories are; 30% of amount owned, 10% is for the new credit, 15% accounts for the length of credit history, 10% is the credit mix and the last 35% accounts for the person's payment history.
The FICO score takes into consideration positive as well as negative aspects of the credit report. The percentage or the weight of any of the categories mentioned above may differ from a person to another depending upon the information available in the credit report.
The FICO score takes all of the information from your credit report. However, the banks or any other lending institution might look at your income, type of credit and employment history when you apply for a loan or mortgage.
Once a certain lender asks for a client's credit report, they can also ask for the Fico score. Other sources say that your Fico score will include 35% of your payment history, 30% of your credit utilization, and 15% as to how long have you been borrowing.
Explanation of credit score ranges
It is important to know the category that you fall into when it comes to credit score for you to be aware. The range of a credit score can go from 300 to 850. Always remember that the higher your score, the higher the chances of you to qualify for a loan. There will also be instances where a financing company is okay with 650 scores, while the other is fine with a 750 score. It will all depend on the lender itself.
A lender or a bank will check your credit score if you qualify for the application that you are requesting. Here are some of the credit score ranges that you should know.
Bad credit score
People with a credit score below 579 is known as high risks. Foreclosures, poor payment history, and bankruptcies are the reasons why people fall into this category.
Good credit score
A good credit score ranges from 680 to 719. People with this credit score can expect approvals and interest rates that are better.
Very Good
A very good credit score ranges from 720 to 799. People with this credit score is known to be small risks, and they often get loan amounts that are higher than usual.
Excellent
An excellent score ranges from 800 and above. Financial freedom is expected to people with this score.
Things you can do to improve your credit score
Having a bad credit score is similar to having poor health. Therefore, you need to take measures that ensure you are continually improving on it. The most efficient way of repairing bad credit is good management over time. Improving your credit score is necessary for you to be eligible for better terms and rates for loans in the future.
Regular credit report checks
You are advised to monitor your credit report regularly to see if it has any errors. A credit report brings you up to speed on your status as a debtor. Ensure that the payments are reported correctly and the amount owed to each creditor is correct. Errors must be disputed to your credit bureau promptly.
Reduce your debt
Most people usually take loans just because they are eligible for them without considering the potential damage to their credit score. For a start, you can reduce your reliance on credit cards. Design a plan that ensures you give priority to your debts that have the highest interest rates.
Payment reminders
If your monthly premium is not automatically debited from your account, you need to set up a payment reminder. Timely credit repayment improves your credit score over time. Some financiers usually send emails or texts to their clients to make payments.