A credit score is an important part of a person’s credit report. The terms credit report and credit score are similar, but both these terms do not imply the same thing. The credit report of a person includes his/her whole credit history which is inclusive of all the transactions made through multiple credit avenues. On the other hand credit score is a three-digit number that is representative of the credit solving responsibility of a person, and it’s almost as important as your identity, like when a lender wants to know your ability to pay the loan or when a seller wants to know your creditworthiness. This score is calculated by factoring multiple aspects of the credit history of a person. Each aspect of the credit field has a significant role to play in the process of calculating the credit score. The person who wants to keep the credit history balanced needs to focus on the credit score.
The different facets that are reflected in a credit report
The credit report is to be obtained from all the institutes,and the data given in the credit report should be checked for authenticity because in some instances miscommunication can lead to the wrong filing of loan status which leads to an incorrect report. The credit report is a detailed document that enlists various financial aspects of a person, these factors are mentioned below
- The information regarding resolved loans
When any credit is taken, it is known that the money borrowed has to be returned by following certain terms and conditions. There is always a deadline for making the payments, and if the loans are solved within the given duration,then the closed status of the loan will be reflected in the credit report. However, there are certain cases when the credit is taken not returned as per the conditions but is settled through a single lump sum. This will provide the borrower with the update of a settled loan on his/her credit report.
- The status of open loan accounts
The loan is a useful financial tool and people have to acquire loans for several purposes. The credit report will include the status of all accounts from where credit is taken. Having credit accounts active or taking credit is not a bad move as taking credit helps in building the credit report for the future however if open loan accounts have turned into debt accounts then the situation is quite dicey because it will take time to resolve debts and close the accounts.
Therefore it can be said that the credit report can be positive or negative depending upon the person who is taking the credit.
The nodal points of examination for keeping a strong credit score
Many people are apprehensive about taking credit as they believe that taking credit lowers the score, but in actuality, it is the outstanding credit that affects the credit score negatively. Keeping the credit arena balanced will allow a person to build a healthy financial structure, but caution is the most important thing along with research because wrong steps are taken while acquiring credit will lead to severe complications which might cripple finances considerably and lower the credit score deplorably. A person can also read this article at Personal Finance Analyst.
To keep the credit score high, an individual has to opt for correct practices. A few of these practices are discussed below
- Being knowledgeable about the various lines of credit
The credit card is not the only avenue of the credit field, and most individuals are under the impression that keeping multiple credit cards diversifies their credit, but in reality auto loans, bank loans are also part of the credit zone. A person should know about the entire field which can be tapped for acquiring credit at suitable rates. In each credit line, one can also find multiple options, and it is sensible to know the features of the best options available in that area. However, taking up a lot of money from various credit agencies without paying due attention to the payment deadlines will only create problems and can also result in debts. Engaging more than one credit line at a time should be done sensibly. Smaller loans from multiple credit paths are a good option for maintaining a good credit score and also keeping the repayment easy to handle.
- Taking well-informed decisions by keeping the personal financial needs in mind
Whatever is portrayed as the best might not be tailored to suit one’s needs. The finance that is required by a person might depend on various factors like personal expense, individual business venture, medical expenses, etc. The person who is developing the credit line has to observe the options that best suit his/her financial goals. Every individual has some financial objectives which are to be achieved, and for achieving the target, funds are needed, so the person has to acquire credit from the most suitable option that is appropriate for the financial goal. The discounts and perks that are given by credit card companies should also be evaluated for individual applicability before choosing the credit cards. Making informed choices will ensure that the credit taken is well utilized.
- Evaluating personal records against generated credit reports
The credit record can be obtained by companies or organizations that are entitled to generate credit reports. Multiple organizations do the work of providing credit reports, and it is best to take the report from all the organizations. However simply depending on the report is not enough because one must also keep a record of the credit taken from various sources and the credit options present. Having a track of one’s credit will help in keeping everything organized and will also aid in finding out mistakes in the report provided by a particular organization. The person can easily detect the mistake as a personal record is present. This will help in fixing problems immediately, and therefore a negative impact on the credit score can be prevented.
Hence the credit field should be meticulously observed, and the credit reports have to be delightedly evaluated so that credit acquisition does not turn into a financial problem.