Do you know what your credit score is? When was the last time you checked your credit score? It changes frequently and you never know when you will need it, but there are plenty of times a credit report may be required including as to be used as a reference or as formal documentation. But why do you need to know your credit score? According to Sun Life Financial, a credit report gives lenders details about every loan (yes, even payday or short-term loans) you’ve taken out in the last six years, including credit cards, cell phones, car loans, lines of credit and mortgages. It shows how much you borrowed, whether you paid on time, and what you still owe. Based on all this, you’re given a credit score ranging from 300, which is the lowest to 900, the highest score.
When was the last time you checked your credit score?
We’ve talked before about how payday or short-term loans like loans from GoDay can affect your credit score, but we also take your credit score into account when you apply for a loan with us. That’s right, which means we want you to have all the information when it comes to your credit score. Did you know you’re entitled to one free credit score a year? You can pay to order your credit report online if you want to see your score and details right away. Transunion is one company that allows you to order your credit report online once a year for free.
How do you improve your credit score?
This is the most common question when it comes to credit scores, is how can we get that number higher? The answer is simple – your payment history and monitoring your spending is the most important factor for your credit score.
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada has a few tips for you to improve your payment history:
-always make your payments on time
-make at least the minimum payment if you can’t pay the full amount that you owe
-contact the lender right away if you think you’ll have trouble paying a bill
-don’t skip a payment even if a bill is in dispute
Not all payments are counted towards your credit score – for example, student loans. But, these payments do matter if you start missing them. If your loan or bills are sent to a collection agency, this will be included in your credit report and not help, but bring your credit score down.
For more information on how to improve your credit score, review this guide from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada.
