When an individual tries to get a mortgage for a house or a loan on an car they are usually aware of how essential their credit report and credit score can be. A lender can charge a higher rate or even turn down credit altogether based upon what is showing on the credit report and the credit score.
But there are also a few things that most people are not even aware of about credit scores and credit reports. Negative credit can have an consequence on many things that you may not even be aware of.
If you are a credit cardholder you need to make sure that you keep a good credit score and a clean credit report. Credit card companies are infamous for finding any cause that they can to jack up your interest rates. If you are a cardholder they can watch your report and if you show any damaging credit they can boost your rates, even if you have never been late on a payment to them! The teaser starting rate could double or even triple if your credit report is terrible.
Any trouble showing on your credit report is a satisfactory rationale for them to increase your rates. Many times erroneous and imprecise information can show on your report and your rates will be unduly jacked up. It is smart to repair any troubles that you see on your report as soon as viable for this cause.
Credit scores and reports can also influence your job search. Potential employers can ask to see a copy of your credit report as part of a background check. It is lawful for them not to hire you if you have bad credit. However, be aware that they must have individual permission granted from you to query into your credit.
While you may not even be considered for the job if you have bad credit, a good credit score may mean the difference between getting hired or not if you are one of a few similarly qualified prospects. It is key in these changing economic times to make sure you have every benefit in the job market.
The third shocking reason to have a excellent history is that insurance companies have done their research and they have determined that drivers with bad credit file 40% more insurance claims. To them that means that if you have bad credit you could be deemed riskier to them as a policyholder. It is estimated that 90% or more auto insurance companies use credit reports as an underwriting tool.
While many of these things seem biased and unfair the fact is that our credit affects more than we realize. Do what you can to preserve good credit if you have it and if you don’t take the steps necessary to improve or repair your credit.