Credit scores are an essential part of the financial landscape in Australia, with lenders and other financial institutions relying heavily on them to decide who to lend money to and at what interest rates. In this article, we will explore what credit scores are, how they are calculated, and the impact they can have on Australians.
What is a Credit Score?
It’s a numerical representation of an individual’s creditworthiness based on their past credit history. It is calculated by credit reporting agencies, which collect information from lenders, such as banks and credit card companies, about an individual’s credit behaviour. This information includes details such as whether payments have been made on time, the types of credit used, and how much credit has been applied for.
In Australia, credit scores are typically calculated on a scale of 0-1200, with a higher score indicating a better credit history and a lower score indicating a less favourable credit history. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to be approved for credit and the better the interest rates you may be offered.
How is a Credit Score Calculated?
Credit scores in Australia are calculated using a range of factors, including:
Payment History: Your payment history is the most critical factor in determining your credit score. It includes whether you have paid your bills on time and whether you have any missed or late payments.
Credit Utilisation: Credit utilisation refers to the amount of credit you have used compared to the amount of credit you have available. Using a large percentage of your available credit may indicate that you are struggling financially and may negatively impact your credit score.
Length of Credit History: The length of your credit history is also considered when calculating your credit score. A longer credit history can indicate that you have more experience managing credit, which can be seen as a positive factor.
Types of Credit: The types of credit you have used in the past, such as credit cards, home loans or personal loans, can also impact your credit score.
Recent Credit Applications: If you have recently applied for credit, this can also be considered when calculating your credit score. Multiple credit applications in a short period may be viewed as a negative factor.
Impact of Credit Scores in Australia
Credit scores have a significant impact on the financial lives of Australians. Among other factors, lenders and other financial institutions use your credit scores to decide whether to approve a credit application and at what interest rate. A good credit score can make it easier to be approved for credit and may result in more favourable interest rates, saving you money in the long term.
On the other hand, a poor credit score can make it challenging to be approved for credit and may result in higher interest rates, which can increase the cost of borrowing. It can make it harder for people with lower incomes or those who have experienced financial difficulties in the past to access credit when needed.
Improving Your Credit Score
If you have a lower credit score or no credit history at all, there are steps you can take to improve your creditworthiness. Some of the things you can do include:
- Check Your Credit Report: The first step to improving your credit score is to check your credit report. Your credit report summarises your credit history, including payment history, credit utilisation, and other factors. You can get a free copy of your credit report from credit reporting agencies such as Equifax, Experian, and Illion. Review your credit report for any errors or inaccuracies and dispute any errors.
- Pay your bills on time: One of the essential things to improve your credit score is to ensure you pay your bills on time. It includes your credit card bills, utility bills, rent or mortgage payments, and any other bills you have.
- Reduce Your Credit Utilisation: Your credit utilisation is the amount of credit you use compared to your credit limit. For example, if you have a credit card with a $10,000 limit and a balance of $5,000, your credit utilisation is 50%. A high credit utilisation ratio can negatively impact your credit score. Try to keep your credit utilisation below 30% of your credit limit.
- Apply for credit Sparingly: Every time you apply for credit, the lender will make a hard inquiry on your credit report. Too many hard inquiries can lower your credit score. Try to apply for credit sparingly and only when you need it.
In conclusion, improving your credit score takes time and effort, but it is worth it. A good credit score can help you get approved for loans, credit cards, and other financial products at lower interest rates.
Image by Freepik
