Credit rating. Few words may evoke such a potent mixture of anxiety and perplexity. But perhaps this post will change all of that.
Your credit score is crucial, as is common knowledge. And while everyone wants one, even the most affluent of your pals won’t know how to raise it beyond offering general advice about making on-time credit card payments.
Credit scores are used in Australia to assess a person’s creditworthiness, which has an impact on a variety of things, including the approval of loans and the credit limit on store cards. The main component of a credit score is a credit report, which is normally obtained from credit bureaux like Equifax, or Dun & Bradstreet.
The system is dependent on adverse credit reporting, such as postings that show a default. However, submitting numerous credit card or business loan applications will also result in point deductions. What you should know about your credit score is provided here.
1. Examine your credit report
Priorities come first. Get a copy of your credit report sent to you. All the information about your credit is on your credit report. Most credit reporting organisations can provide it.
2. Correct any errors
An error has been made in the credit file of 30% of Australians. There could be an incorrect default, court injunction, or judgement posted on your credit report. You should carefully review your credit record because all of these can lower your credit score. Your credit score can increase if you ask the credit bureau to correct any errors.
3. Avoid Becoming Debt-Free
Undoubtedly, having too much debt is undesirable, but so is having none at all. Lenders assume a high risk when there is no credit history because there is nothing to use to compute your credit score. As a credit card is simpler to obtain than a loan, seize this opportunity to establish good credit by paying your payments on time. You can begin obtaining larger credit amounts and continue raising your credit score if you have at least a modest credit history.
4. Reduce Fresh Credit Investigations
Apply for credit only if you need the money or are working on building your credit. Reject offers for point-of-purchase and promotional credit cards. These cards will have a detrimental impact on your credit score if you have an excessive number of them. The same applies when applying for loans: avoid applying for numerous loans and allowing lenders to run credit checks on you repeatedly as this lowers your credit score.
5. Control Your Payments
Before the lender can notify the credit bureaux that you are late, you typically have up to 15 days following the due date of your account. In other words, if your payment is due on the 15th and you pay it on the 29th, the credit bureaux won’t report the late payment. If the payment is received more than 15 days after the due date, your credit report will likely show this properly. Strive to remain on top of your financial flow and try to schedule your payments in advance by adding a recurring reminder to your calendar.
6. Get a credit report Each year, so every 12 months
Once a year, ask for a copy of your credit report and check it carefully to make sure there aren’t any mistakes. Occasionally due to human error, adverse listings are submitted incorrectly or illegally, or the incorrect person receives the negative credit file entry. This is an excellent approach to make sure your credit score is accurate and determine whether you need to change your financial situation in the coming year to improve your credit score.