Having good credit is essential for financial stability and freedom. It also comes with benefits, such as increased access to credit, lower interest rates, better credit card rewards, higher credit limits, real estate properties, and employment opportunities.
Unfortunately, many people struggle with bad credit and the negative implications that come with it. One of the common reasons for this is their lack of understanding about it.
What’s Bad Credit?
The specific classification of “bad credit” can vary among lenders and credit bureaus, but it’s commonly considered a credit score below a certain threshold. For example, a bad credit score may mean a FICO score of 579 and below or a Vantage score between 300 and 499.
A credit score is a numerical representation of a person’s creditworthiness or worthiness to get a loan. It’s calculated by credit reporting agencies, also known as credit bureaus. In the United States, the three major credit reporting agencies are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Credit reporting agencies collect and maintain financial information on individuals and businesses. Such information includes credit utilization, types of credit in use, length of credit history, new credit accounts, and payment history.
Then, they use mathematical models to analyze your financial information. The two most common scoring models are, as mentioned, FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation) and VantageScore. The result of their calculation is your credit score.
Here’s a general breakdown of how FICO and VantageScore categorize credit scores:
- Exceptional: 800 and above
- Very Good: 740 – 799
- Good: 670 – 739
- Fair: 580 – 669
- Poor: 579 and below
VantageScore Ranges:
- Excellent: 781 and above
- Good: 661 – 780
- Fair: 601 – 660
- Poor: 500 – 600
- Very Poor: 300 – 499
If your credit score falls into the “bad credit” range, it’s likely because you have a history of late payments, defaulted loans, high credit card balances, or other negative credit-related events. This makes you “less” or “not” creditworthy because of your negative credit behavior.
The good news is that credit scores are just one factor that lenders consider when making lending decisions. They also assess your income, debt-to-income ratio, employment history, and other financial factors.
Additionally, there are many alternative financing options you can opt for when you have bad credit. For example, fast loans from CreditNinja are tailored to borrowers’ current financial situations and capabilities. These help them secure financing despite their negative standing.
Negative Implications of Bad Credit
Lenders, banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions use these credit scores to assess the risk of lending money to an individual. Generally, a higher credit score suggests lower risk, while a lower score indicates higher risk.
Here are the common ways in which having bad credit can affect you:
Difficulty Obtaining Credit
With bad credit, you may find it challenging to qualify for new credit cards, loans, or other forms of credit. Lenders may hesitate to extend credit to individuals with a history of late payments, defaults, or other negative credit events.
Limited Access to Financial Products
Bad credit may limit your access to certain financial products and services, including mortgages, car loans, or personal loans. Some lenders may be unwilling to work with individuals with a poor credit history.
Higher Interest Rates
If you’re approved for credit with bad credit, you’ll likely be offered less favorable terms, such as higher interest rates. Lenders may charge higher interest rates to compensate for the increased risk associated with lending to someone with a lower credit score.
Higher Insurance Premiums
Some insurance companies use credit information to determine premiums for auto and homeowners insurance. Individuals with bad credit may end up paying higher insurance premiums.
Impact on Employment
In some cases, employers may check credit reports as part of the hiring process, especially for positions involving financial responsibilities. While this is not a common practice for all jobs, bad credit could potentially affect your employment prospects.
Difficulty Renting a Home
Landlords may check credit reports as part of the rental application process. Bad credit may make it more challenging to secure a rental property, and you may be required to pay higher security deposits.
Security Deposits and Higher Fees
Individuals with bad credit may be required to pay security deposits or face higher fees when renting a home, setting up utilities, or getting a mobile phone plan. Service providers may view poor credit as indicating a higher risk of non-payment.
How To Improve Credit Score?
As noticed, having bad credit can impact various aspects of a person’s financial life. Individuals need to monitor their credit, understand the factors affecting their credit score, and take steps to improve it over time.
Here are some tips to help you enhance your creditworthiness and raise your credit score:
- Regularly check your credit report for inaccuracies. If you spot an error, dispute it.
- Pay bills and loans on time.
- Pay more than the minimum on your credit cards, and consider consolidating your debt to make payments more manageable.
- Avoid opening too many new accounts in a short period.
- Have a mix of different types of credit (credit cards, installment loans, etc.).
- Keep older accounts open to demonstrate a longer credit history.
Consider seeking professional guidance as well, especially if you’re still financially struggling despite efforts to improve credit. Credit professionals, such as credit counselors or financial advisors, can assist in negotiating with creditors and provide expert advice tailored to your specific situation.
Final Thoughts
The journey back to good credit isn’t a walk in the park. However, don’t be discouraged by the difficulty and setbacks. With time and dedication, having an improved credit is just within one arm’s reach.
