Interpreting a Credit Score - What Do These Numbers Mean

Do you know that most financial and lending institutions nowadays rely on your credit rating before they would allow to lend you a large amount? This is also true if you want to buy something on credit that involves a huge amount that should be payable at a later date. This is what a score in your credit report is all about. As furnished by authorized credit bureaus, credit score helps, among others, creditors, financial and lending institutions in identifying whether or not you have a good credit rating that should eventually speak of your reputation as a buyer or customer in terms of your ability to pay back what you owe them.

If you are confused on how credit bureaus compute your credit scores, it is a good idea to ask financial experts and seek for their opinion about what these numbers in your credit report really mean. Generally, if you have earned a high rating, it means that you can be trusted with a higher amount of credit in your name. A high credit rating would usually mean that creditors will not have second thoughts of lending you huge amount you need for whatever purpose you would need it for. On the other hand, if you have been rated poorly, you can't expect to be treated in the same manner as their highly rated clients.

Even without the numbers provided by credit bureaus, you would already be able to determine whether or not you have a good credit rating or score.

Below are just some of the good habits a person usually that will guarantee him of a good credit score:

1. His payments are never delinquent. Even if he has to pay only the minimum amount required of him at the moment that it is already due and then pay the remaining payables later, he will do so.

2. He usually never makes any credit that is beyond his capacity or means to pay.

3. He has a long credit history from various institutions and his credit history shows that he makes his payments on time.

4. He probably has more than one credit card for different purposes but he still manages to pay all his obligations well.

5. He has not filed bankruptcy for himself or his business.

Indeed, it is a good idea to know just what it takes to improve your credit score. Having a good credit standing is important especially when you think an immediate purchase is necessary but you don't have the means to pay for it at the present time but you are sure to be able to pay for it within a specified period.

By achieving a high credit score, you can negotiate for a discount on your purchases even when they are made on credit especially if it involves a considerable amount of payables. Moreover, creditors have the power to waive or lower any interest rates based on your credit rating and this should be a great advantage on your part.