top of page
Search

Manage Your Credit Score

Writer's picture: Carol PlaisierCarol Plaisier

…it’s your passport to financial opportunities

So maybe you let a few bills slide when things were tight. Or maybe you haven’t seen a zero balance on your credit card in longer than you can remember. Then there was that temporary line of credit… that somehow became permanent.  It’s amazing how many things we do that weaken our credit score. 

Your credit score – the higher the better – is your passport to financial opportunities. Known as a FICO score – with a possible range of 300 to 900 — your number tells lenders what kind of a risk you are likely to be as a borrower. A low credit score can prevent you from getting the lowest mortgage rate, or even from getting a mortgage at all. Sometimes that’s how we first discover there’s a problem.  The good news is that you can boost your score relatively quickly with the right credit behaviors.


First, you’ll want to know what you’re working with. Get a copy of your report and see what your lender sees. Credit reports can be ordered for free through the mail, or for a small fee you can download your report and your score.


More information is available at www.equifax.ca or www.transunion.ca


Check your credit report carefully for any errors. If you spot a problem, contact the agency immediately to have the issue corrected.


Next, look carefully at the factors that are pulling your score down. The single biggest factor in your credit score is having a timely bill payment history; start today with a commitment to never let a bill get past due. The hardest hits on your credit score are accounts that have been sent to collections. Even for a small amount – and even if it is in dispute – being “sent to collections” will create a serious, long-term stain on your credit reputation. Don’t let it happen.


Many people make the mistake of rushing to cancel credit cards in an effort to improve their score. Bad idea. High balances are the problem – and your credit score is based on your balances relative to your available credit. Look at your credit card limits, and calculate what 30 per cent of your limit would be. Consider that your upper spending limit and stay within it.


Same goes for any lines of credit. Follow the 30 per cent rule and stay on top of payments.

The longer your history, the better. Don’t cancel your oldest credit card – even if you no longer use it. That good history can help you. Get advice before you cancel any cards. And don’t regularly take out new credit. When you’re asked at the checkout counter: “would you like to apply for our Store Card? You can save $X dollars on your purchase today…” Don’t do it. These pitches are a potential credit pitfall.  Regularly applying for credit will flag you as a potential credit risk.


Credit scores are part of the mortgage business and since mortgages are our only business, talk to us as soon as you can. We can review your situation and let you know how your score will be viewed by lenders and what it means to your financing options. If you need to improve your score, we can outline your best options for credit improvement. If you want to get a mortgage while you work on bettering your score, we can also advise how that may be possible. 

32 views0 comments

Comments


CIPF_ENG_Member.png
CIRO_Regulated_Dark.png
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Important Disclosures

 

iA Private Wealth Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization. iA Private Wealth is a trademark and a business name under which iA Private Wealth Inc. operates.

This is not an official website or publication of iA Private Wealth and the information and opinions contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of iA Private Wealth. The particulars contained on this website were obtained from various sources which are believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by iA Private Wealth, its affiliates, employees, agents or any other person as to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. Furthermore, this website is provided for information purposes only and is not construed as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of securities. The information contained herein may not apply to all types of investors. The Investment Advisor can open accounts only in the provinces where they are registered.

 

Products and services provided by third parties, including by way of referral, are fully independent of those provided by iA Private Wealth Inc.  Products offered directly through iA Private Wealth Inc. are covered by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund, subject to exception. iA Private Wealth Inc. does not warrant the quality, reliability or accuracy of the products or services of third parties. Please speak to your advisor if you have any questions.

bottom of page