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How Credit Card Impacts Your Credit Score?

By Mayashree Acharya

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Updated on: Feb 14th, 2025

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2 min read

A credit score is a key factor that determines your trustworthiness to lenders and influences their decision on whether to grant you a new credit facility. Your credit card transactions play a direct role in shaping this score. Here’s how they are interconnected:

Card Payments

Timely credit card payments are crucial. Missing a due date negatively impacts your credit score, even if it happens just once. Each delay gets recorded in your credit history, affecting your overall score. If your credit score is low, consistent on-time payments for at least 6-8 months can improve it significantly.

Credit Utilisation Ratio

Your credit utilisation ratio is another major factor. This ratio, calculated as the percentage of credit used from your total limit, should ideally be below 40% to maintain a strong credit profile. Lenders prefer applicants who use their credit responsibly and don’t max out their cards.

EMI-to-Income Ratio

The EMI-to-Income Ratio also plays a vital role. If your combined loan and credit card repayments exceed 50% of your income, lenders may consider you financially overextended. Keeping your repayment obligations below this threshold ensures a healthy credit score.

No Credit History

Lastly, having no credit history means your score remains ‘Not Applicable (NA)’ or ‘No History (NH)’. To establish a strong credit profile, consider applying for a credit card, making small transactions, and ensuring timely payments. This helps in building a positive credit history and securing a good credit score.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does missing a credit card payment affect my credit score?

Even a single missed payment negatively impacts your credit score. The delay is recorded in your credit history, and the longer the payment remains overdue, the worse the impact.

How long does it take to improve my credit score after missed payments?

If your credit score has dropped due to missed payments, consistently making on-time payments for at least 6-8 months can help improve it.

What is the ideal credit utilisation ratio for a good credit score?

Lenders prefer a credit utilisation ratio of less than 40%. Keeping your usage low shows responsible credit management and boosts your creditworthiness.

Can using multiple credit cards affect my credit score?

Yes, if you use multiple cards and have a high credit utilisation ratio, it can negatively affect your credit score. However, responsible usage and timely payments across all cards can help build a strong credit history.

How does my EMI-to-Income Ratio impact my credit score?

If your total EMI and credit card repayments exceed 50% of your income, lenders may see you as financially overextended, which can lower your credit score.

What happens if I have no credit history?

If you have never taken a loan or used a credit card, your credit score remains ‘Not Applicable (NA)’ or ‘No History (NH)’. To build credit, start by using a credit card responsibly and making on-time payments.

Does paying my credit card bill in full improve my credit score?

Yes, paying your credit card bill in full and on time every month helps improve and maintain a high credit score.

Will closing an old credit card impact my credit score?

Yes, closing an old credit card can slightly lower your credit score as it reduces your total available credit, increasing your credit utilisation ratio.

How long do late payments stay on my credit report?

Late payments can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years. However, their impact lessens over time if you maintain good credit habits.

Can I increase my credit score quickly?

While improving a credit score takes time, you can boost it faster by making timely payments, keeping your credit utilisation low, and avoiding new hard inquiries on your credit report.

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About the Author

I am an advocate by profession and have a keen interest in writing. I write articles in various categories, from legal, business, personal finance, and investments to government schemes. I put words in a simplified manner and write easy-to-understand articles. Read more

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