You can make it through life despite having poor credit, but it won't be simple or inexpensive very often. Here are some excellent perks to having a good credit score. You may take advantage of it if you're seeking motivation to keep your credit in good standing. You will be able to save your funds and have a much simpler time managing your finances if you work on building a decent credit score.
1. Credit card and loan interest rates will be much lower for you
Amongst the fees you incur is the interest rate when you borrow money. The interest rate which you are offered is frequently directly related to the credit score you have. If you reduce the amount of interest you have to pay each month, you will pay off your debt faster and have more money available for your other costs.
2. There will be a higher chance of your loans and credit cards being approved
Borrowers with low credit histories often do not apply for new credit cards or loans. This is because they have a history of having their loan or credit card applications denied. Even if you have an outstanding credit score, acceptance is not a given. This is because creditors also look at other aspects of your financial situation, like your income and debts. On the other hand, having a solid credit score raises the likelihood of a lender providing you with new credit.
3. More leverage in financial negotiations
Your ability to get a cheaper interest rate is enhanced when you have a good credit score. You can use the other great offers that you've gotten from other organizations to your advantage if you need more bargaining power.
4. Obtain approval for increasing financial limits
Your ability to take out loans is proportional to your income as well as your credit score. An advantage of a good credit score: financial institutions are more likely to lend you more money. This is due to the fact that you have shown that you are responsible for the repayment of money that you have borrowed on time. If you have a low credit score, there is still a chance that you will be approved for a loan; however, the amount you are eligible for will be lower.
5. Higher rates of approval for residential rental properties
The use of credit scores by prospective tenants in the tenant screening process is becoming increasingly common. Your chances of getting approved for an apartment are significantly reduced if you have a poor credit score. If you maintain a strong credit score, you won't have to waste time and energy looking for a landlord willing to rent to renters with poor credit.
6. A reduction in premiums for car insurance rates
Insurance companies build your insurance risk score using your credit report and insurance history information. If you maintain a good credit score, you will typically pay a cheaper premium for insurance compared to applicants with similar risk profiles who have credit scores which are low. As a result, insurance firms frequently penalize people with low credit scores by charging them higher prices for their insurance policies.
7. You will be able to purchase cell phones on contract without paying a security deposit
It is possible that, until you have established yourself with the supplier, you will be required to pay an additional fee on your contract. By signing a contract, consumers who have good credit may avoid having to pay a security deposit as well as have the potential to earn a reduction on the purchase price of the most recent phones.
8. Avoid putting down deposits for utilities and other services
When you move, the hassle of paying security deposits that might range from $100 to $200 can be significant. It's possible that moving is not on your immediate to-do list. If you have a strong credit score, you won't need to pay a security deposit.
9. Bragging rights
One should be proud of a good credit score because of its benefits. This is especially true if you had to put in a lot of effort to bring your credit score up. If you have never dealt with a low credit score, you should continue to maintain it as much as possible. It only takes a couple of missed payments before things get out of control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A good credit score –– what is it?
One can't quantify a strong credit score with a single figure, and whether or not you have one relies on the context of your financial endeavors. Since the average credit score in the United States in 2021 was 716, a score that is higher than this number may be deemed to be above average.
How exactly does one go about improving their credit score?
Developing good credit takes some time. Your credit score comprises several different aspects. The most important is your payment history, the amounts you owe, the length of your credit history, any new credit you have opened, and your credit mix. You shouldn't expect a sudden spike in your score due to your efforts.