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
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.
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.
Lenders prefer a credit utilisation ratio of less than 40%. Keeping your usage low shows responsible credit management and boosts your creditworthiness.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, paying your credit card bill in full and on time every month helps improve and maintain a high 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.
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.
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.