So, you likely already know the basic principle about what a credit score is used for and, therefore, why it is important to have a good one. Whenever you apply for a loan (car loan, mortgage loan, credit card loan, personal loan, etc.) a lender is going to look at your credit score and decide whether or not you qualify. If your credit score is high enough, you can likely expect to be approved for the loan (provided you earn enough income to qualify). However, a low credit score could result in you being declined for the loan you want or, if you are approved, it could mean a higher interest rate and a bigger down payment.
To put it simply, credit scores (and your credit report) are a type of report card which future lenders get to look at when you apply for a loan. The “report card” shows lenders a picture of how you pay your bills – on time, late, or not at all. If your credit report shows that you have a history of paying your bills on time then future lenders will want to loan you money as well since, chances are, you will pay the payments on time and they will be able to earn a profit from you in the form of interest. However, if your credit report shows that you have a history of paying your bills late or not at all then future lenders will be scared to loan you any more money. The reason they will be hesitant to loan you more money is because chances are higher that they may not get paid back for their investment, much less make any kind of profit through interest fees.
In our current culture, credit scores impact our lives in many ways. I already mentioned how you will need a good credit score to qualify for any type of loan. However, did you also know that your credit score may be used to determine you auto insurance rate and whether or not you have to put down a deposit when opening a new utility or cell phone account? Plus, it is now a common practice for employers to pull your credit score when you are applying for a new job. Depending upon the industry in which you work, your current employer may even access your credit report to determine whether or not you are “credit worthy” to remain employed with the company.
Since credit affects so many different aspects of our lives, it is more important than ever to have a healthy credit score. However, if you find yourself in the uncomfortable situation of having a subprime credit score (a consumer score of 649 or lower) then HOPE would like to encourage you to give our credit experts a call. Remember, you do not have to feel embarrassed or defeated due to a subprime credit score! Bad credit scores happen to good people all the time. In fact, over 60 million American currently have a subprime credit score so, if you are in the same boat, you certainly are not alone! You still deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel otherwise.
You can make a plan today to start improving your credit scores. Please contact us via email or phone at 704-499-9696 to learn more about how the HOPE Program can help you to achieve the healthier credit you desire!
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