What is a good credit score? Is an 836 credit score a good or bad one?
These are questions that many people have when it comes to their credit score.
This article will explore what an 836 credit score means and whether it is good or bad.
We will also provide tips on how to improve your credit score if you are not happy with your current rating.
What is a credit score, and why is it important?
A credit score is a three-digit number that lenders use to determine your creditworthiness.
Essentially, it’s a numerical representation of how likely you are to repay a loan.
The higher your score, the more appealing you are to lenders and the more likely you are to qualify for loans with favorable terms and rates.
On the other hand, a low score can make it challenging to be eligible for loans and may result in higher interest rates.
In short, your credit score is essential because it can save you money.
By maintaining a good score, you can access the best loan products and avoid paying unnecessary fees.
So if you’re looking to make a major purchase or apply for a new line of credit, check your credit score first.
What are the different types of credit scores, and what do they mean?
There are a few different types of credit scores out there – but the most common are FICO scores.
Your FICO score is based on your credit history, so it considers how often you make payments on time, how much debt you have, and your credit utilization ratio.
There are also other scoring models out there, like VantageScores.
VantageScores are similar to FICO scores but are not as widely used.
They’re also based on your credit history, but they weigh certain factors differently than FICO scores.
Either way, a good credit score is generally considered above 700.
A score below 600 is considered poor, and a score below 500 is considered very poor.
If you have a very poor credit score, getting approved for loans or lines of credit can be challenging- and if you are approved, you’ll likely have to pay higher interest rates.
So it’s always a good idea to maintain a good credit score.
How do you calculate a credit score?
There are a lot of factors that go into calculating a credit score.
Generally speaking, though, your credit score is based on five main criteria:
- Payment history: Do you consistently pay your bills on time? Late payments lower your rate. The later the payment, the more damage it will do.
- Credit utilization: This is the amount of credit you’re using compared to the amount you have available. It’s essential to keep your credit utilization low, as maxing out your credit cards will damage your score.
- Credit mix: This refers to the different types of credit you have, such as credit cards, loans, etc. Having a mix of different kinds of credit is generally better for your score than having just one type.
- Length of credit history: This is how long you’ve been using credit. In general, the longer you’ve been using credit, the better.
- New credit: Opening new lines of credit can lower your short-term score. It’s best to space out your applications rather than opening a bunch of new accounts simultaneously.
Where can you see your credit score?
You can see your credit score in several places.
One obvious place is on your credit card statement. The statement will show your current balance and credit limit if you have a credit card. It will also show your credit score.
Another place you can find your credit score is on your personal credit report. This report includes information about your credit history and current debt. It also has your credit score.
You can get a free copy of your personal credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – once every 12 months.
These websites use different methods to calculate your score, so comparing scores from multiple sites is essential to get an accurate idea of where you stand.
How will having an 836 credit score affect your life in the future, both financially and otherwise?
An 836 credit score is the gold standard for credit scores.
This means that you’re an extremely reliable borrower, and lenders will be more likely to work with you when giving you loans and lines of credit.
This can be a significant financial advantage because it gives you more negotiating power regarding interest rates.
In addition, an 836 credit score can also help you get approved for things like rental properties and insurance policies.
So, in short, having an 836 credit score can have a major positive impact on your financial future.
Besides the financial benefits, an 836 credit score can also give you peace of mind knowing that you’re one of the most responsible borrowers.
This can help you sleep better at night and feel confident about your ability to manage your finances.
Overall, an 836 credit score is a major plus financially and otherwise.
What are the consequences of having a low credit score?
A low credit score can have many consequences.
For one, getting approved for loans or lines of credit can make it difficult.
This can be a problem if you need to finance a major purchase, such as a car or a home.
Additionally, a low credit score can lead to higher interest rates on loans, meaning that you’ll end up paying more money over the life of the loan.
Finally, a low credit score can make renting an apartment or getting a job difficult.
Most employers now run credit checks on prospective employees, and landlords often use credit scores to screen tenants.
As you can see, a low credit score can have far-reaching consequences.
How can you improve your credit score if it’s not where you want it to be?
There’s no magic bullet when it comes to improving your credit score, but there are a few things you can do to give it a boost.
- Make sure you’re paying all of your bills on time. This includes not just your credit card bills and mortgage payments but also utilities and cell phone bills. Late payments will show up on your credit report and drag down your score.
- Try to keep your balances low. If you have credit cards, aim to keep your balance below 30% of your credit limit. This will help improve your “credit utilization ratio,” which is a crucial factor in your score.
- Don’t apply for new credit too often. Each time you do, it will result in a “hard inquiry” on your report, which can temporarily lower your score.
- Check your credit score regularly. This will help you spot any errors or negative information dragging down your score.
- Pay off any outstanding debts. This will help improve your “debt-to-income ratio,” another key factor in your score.
- Get a credit builder loan. This special type of loan is designed to help people build their credit.
You can boost your credit score if you read more about credit score hacks.
If you are a new immigrant, consider reading this article on how to build credit as a new immigrant.
Conclusion
So, what’s the verdict?
An 836 credit score is considered excellent.
It puts you in the top 10% of all consumers and means you have a very high chance of being approved for any loan or line of credit you want.
The important thing to remember is that your credit score is just one-factor lenders look at when considering your loan application.
An 836 credit score is definitely in the “excellent” category, but it’s always a good idea to continue monitoring your credit report and work on improving your rating if you can.
