get it deciphered
A credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, which is a fancy word for how likely you are to repay borrowed money based on your credit history.
Unfortunately, even if you've never borrowed money or used credit (AKA you have no credit history) you still have a credit score attached to you. Because you haven't essentially 'proven' that you're good with credit, you may have a lower score. But that doesn't mean you can't grow your score!
Credit scores a calculated on a few different areas, but it's notably based on various factors including payment history, levels of debt, and length of your credit history. But other things can influence your credit score such as whether or not you're on the electoral roll, for example.
Each credit bureau uses a different scoring method (yep, helpful). So, a 'good' score might look different depending on who you ask. To combat the potential migraine, you can get all-in-one reports that shares how you look to different bureaus. Generally speaking though (and we mean generallyyyy), above 760 can be seen from pretty decent to upwards of great. We vibe with how Check My File runs their all-in-one reports. They use a simple system from 0–1,000. The higher the number, the better off you’re seen overall. Their scoring revolves around the concept of ‘risk of payment difficulties’:
- - Up to 449: 38%
- - 450 - 639: 24%
- - 640 - 719: 15%
- - 720 - 829: 8%
- - 830 - 900: 4%
- - 900 and above: 2%
are estimates of what your score might mean in terms of how likely credit bureaus see you having payment difficulty. the lower your % means the less likely you are to have any difficulties (in their eyes).
Having a thin credit profile means you haven't delved into the world or borrowing money or using credit enough for credit bureaus to know that you're good with money. If they can't gauge how good you are with credit, they're likely to offer high interest rates as a result.
why care?
for the right now
Your credit score is often used without you even knowing, to determine how trustworthy you are with your money. Your creditworthiness, if you want to be fancy. This can impact you when you want to rent a new place, buy or finance a shiny new car, or even in job interviews if the employer includes a credit check in their hiring process.
for the future
Staying aware and slowly building your score can save your energy, stress levels, and even money in the long run. If you want to buy a house one day, a good credit score is lowkey crucial or you risk being denied a mortgage. Good credit means higher loan amounts, less interest, and more options. Good vibes all round for future you.
sounds like a later me issue
Being conscious about credit now can lead to less stress, strain, and bad vibes all round. You may not know it, but you have a credit score attached to you right now, even if you’ve never dealt with credit or loans.
easy things to do
authorise on another card
Can’t get your hands on a credit card? When you become an authorized user on someone else's credit card (anyone, not just family), their good credit history and payment behaviour can be reflected on your credit report. This can help improve your credit score since it demonstrates a history of responsible credit usage, even if you don't actually use the card yourself.
spend spend spend (a bit)
If you’ve got a credit card, you have to actually use it (a little bit) in order to reap the benefits. Think of it as reminding the credit people that you exist. Conscious spending and usage can go a long way. Adding your Netflix or Spotify subscription can drop the admin and pick up your credit score in a passive, automatic way. Keep things simple for yourself by using autopay.
keep an eye on it
Things happen. Adulting is hard. A great credit score takes a little bit of time for everyone. But keeping an eye on your credit score means you stay in control. If there are changes, you’ll know about it, why it happened, and what you can do about it. Even just checking your credit score can boost your score!
your first step into credit good vibes
next steps to stressing less
keeping things simple
We think Check My File offer a stress-free way of sussing out your score. Overcome the fear of finding out by getting just the important bits and understand what you need to do next to grow your credit score. They offer a free 30-day trial before providing a subscription service (of £14.99 a month), yes. But that's a long 30 days of getting a comprehensive breakdown of your credit score that you can put into action. What's great is you can cancel your Check My File subscription literally anytime, so you can take full advantage of their free trial.
FOFO (Fear Of Finding Out) is real! It’s easy to ignore daunting things, yes. Very true. But checking out your credit report is the first step into being the boss of your money (and not the other way around). You know the saying ‘money can’t buy you happiness?’ and how you roll your eyes at anyone who feels the need to say it? We feel you. Credit isn’t exactly everything, but it does make things a whole lot easier not just for future you, but for right now you. Get your credit report sussed, get the good with stance on it, feel good with your credit score.
Your credit report is unique to you, but you’ll be able to see things such as:
- - Late or unpaid instalments that present an issue for future credit applications, along with defaults.
- - Credit information concerning linked accounts with joint applicants such as housemates or partners, past and present, if you have held a joint account within the last six years.
Essentially, what it means for you is that you can:
- - Understand your financial health and assess your current standing.
- - Build a positive credit history for future financial ventures.
- - Detect errors or signs of identity fraud.
- - Take proactive measures to improve your credit score.
- - Stay informed about your financial situation and ensure accuracy of credit info.
- - Set the stage for responsible money management and a healthier financial future.
In the Good With beta app, you can compliment your credit score with your unique Readiness Score™ which is a snapshot of your current health and wellbeing right now. You can then grow and cultivate your Readiness with our FinIQ™ pathways designed for peace of mind, and put it all into practice with our budgeting and spending insights.