The 5 Basic Elements Of A Credit Report

In modern times, people apply for various forms of credit, whether to pay for their home mortgage, college tuition, or buy a new car and more. Many people also make purchases with credits, and many people today even own more than one credit card. However, a person cannot simply wish to receive credit as they please, because they will need to apply for it, and most credit companies also take a closer look at a person’s credit report, to see if they are truly credit-worthy, and know how to manage their finances well. Here are the five basic elements of a credit report. 

What’s A Credit Report, And Where Does It Come From?

A credit report essentially is an official record of a person’s credit activities. In a credit report, all credit card accounts and loans are listed, as well as any loan balance, and how regularly you make or miss your payments. Today, a number of accredited credit bureaus gather and sell credit information, which are often stored in large databases, where  prospective lenders, employers, insurers, government agencies, courts,  and even landlords can easily open up and take a look at their client’s files. An individual can also get his or her own credit report from major credit agencies like Experian, Equifax, TransUnion and other small companies that serve regional or local markets.    

The Importance Of Credit Scores

A person’s credit score is drawn from the credit report. The score determines how credit-worthy and financially responsible he or she is. A high score usually allows you easy access to different forms of credit, while a poor score limits your financing options. Because your credit report greatly influences how you’re able to get a home mortgage or get a job, you need to protect your credit rating, by making all your bill and loan payments on time regularly.    

The Five Basic Credit Card Elements

There are five basic elements which are taken into account when determining a person’s credit score. These include Payment History, Amounts Owed, Length of Credit History, New Credit, and Types Of Credit Used. The basic elements can offer a lot of insight on how to improve your credit score. 

How To Improve Your Credit Score

According to credit experts, there are a lot of methods for improving your credit score. Among the strategies include making sure that you pay your bills on time. If ever you missed some payments in the past, do all you can to pay your current bills on time. Also remember to keep your outstanding debt to as low as you can, and it would be better to pay the debt off, rather than simply move or transfer it around. The key to maintaining a high credit score is to get new credit only when you really need it. The longer you can show or indicate a responsible credit history, the more beneficial would it be for your credit score.     
