Independent Day: How to be financially independent with a good credit score

by Joseph K. Clark

To improve one’s creditworthiness, experts say repaying loans on time is a great way to start. Loans have become integral to our lives, especially since the pandemic began. Various banks, NBFCs, and fintech players have started giving out loans to people in need, but some still face trouble getting loans due to low or no credit scores. It may be noted that a credit score is something Indians tend to ignore generally. The borrower’s credit score will probably be checked everywhere.

Be it a home loan, education, or any other loanAccording to industry reports, almost 6 out of 10 millennials are rejected when applying for credit cards, mortgages, car loans, and other financial products. Millennials aged between 23 and 38 years are the ones that experience higher denial rates than different generations.

Vineet Patawari, Co-founder, and CEO of financial market learning portal Elearnmarkets.com and stock market analytics platform StockEdge says, “This pandemic is a testament to the importance of Financial Independence in our lives. The future is uncertain and certainly requires sound financial planning. A good credit score is necessary for easy loan approval.”

So, what is the Credit Score?

Fair Isaac Corporation first introduced this instrument but it has now gained worldwide popularity. Simply put, a credit score is a numerical figure obtained from a person’s credit files to represent the worth of any credit instrument.

Patawari says, “A credit score generally ranges from 300-850, based on factors like total levels of debt, number of open accounts, repayment history, etc. Any score above 650 is considered good, and the person may be eligible for low-interest rates.”

Having a good credit score goes a long way. Experts say a good credit score is a gateway to a smooth financial life. That is the reason many individuals actively seek information to manage their creditworthiness. To improve one’s creditworthiness, experts say repaying loans on time is a great way to start.

Independence Day

How can you improve your credit score?

  • Be timely while paying bills. Experts say one should not delay delivering the account till the last due date; try to clear it in advance.
  • Enquire regularly with your credit card company about a potential credit increase. A good standing on credit increases your credit limit.
  • Avoid closing credit card accounts. Patawari says, “Stop using the account but never close your account. It will significantly hurt your credit score.”
  • Work with credit repair companies. They perform various activities like negotiating with your creditors and offering consultancy.

Experts say financial independence is not a sprint race. It is a marathon. With sound planning and intelligent investing, anyone can be financially independent.

Get live Stock Prices from the BSE, NSE, and US Market, and the latest NAV and portfolio of Mutual Funds; check out the newest IPO News, Best Performing IPOs, calculate your tax by using an Income Tax Calculator, know the market’s Top Gainers, Top Losers & Best Equity Funds. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Financial Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest Biz news.

Related Posts