Higher Credit Score – the Amount You Owe Can Influence It
If you have ever applied for any form of credit then the phrase higher credit score will have come up in the transaction. Your credit score determines whether you will get credit but more importantly it also determines how much you have pay back.
For these reasons you should have a higher credit score than an average credit score because several factors influence your credit rating. Your payment history, the amount you owe to lenders, the length of time you have had credit, new credit accounts and an overall mixed picture.
OK, so how does the total amount of money that you owe influence your credit score.
Many people are under the impression that payment history is the only real factor to give them a higher credit score. This is totally untrue. Although keeping a good payment history is highly recommended, it only accounts for about 35% of your overall credit score. A further 30% is given to the actual amount you owe.
The major credit agencies that devise these numbers will look at how much you owe and on what types of accounts. For example, you are considered in a much better financial position if you owe 100,000 dollars on a house rather than 100,000 dollars in plain loan debt. Even if the person makes regular payments, owning on a house will give you a higher credit score and a better financial position.
They will also look at the credit account and which ones still have balances. They also look at the total amount of the credit line that has been used. Someone with 7 credit cards that are maxed out may present a higher risk that someone with substantial space left on their cards. If you have car loans they may look at how much you borrowed compared to how much you still owe. If you have paid of a good portion then this will reflect quite favorably on your score.
Maintaining a good credit score is important in today’s world. With the rising costs of housing and cars, fewer and fewer of us are able to afford these with cash. We rely on loans and financing to get the things that we want.
If you have low credit scores then getting any type of financing can be very difficult. Maintaining payments is one essential part but keeping tabs on the amount you owe is another. Resist the urge to max out and be mindful of the type of debt you have. It could make a big difference in your financial future.
Your outstanding debt makes up 30 percent of your credit score. This basically reflects the loans that you still have to pay. The list includes your mortgages, car loans, your credit card loans, and many others. It is important that you keep your balances at 25 percent or less.
