Credit Report: Learn how to improve it.

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Credit rating is becoming increasingly important in determining access to a mortgage, loan, credit card or even apartment rental. If your credit rating is low, don’t be discouraged! It is possible to improve it with determination and willpower. Here are some tips that should help you get back on the road to financial prosperity!

Check your credit report regularly

The first step to improving your credit report is to check your credit report regularly. The major creditbureaus in Canada are Equifax and TransUnion, and you can get free credit reports online with some banks, as well as on sites like Credit Karma and Borrowell.
Check for errors, fraud or identity theft. If you find a discrepancy, dispute it promptly with the creditreporting agency.

Pay your bills on time to boost your credit score

Late payments have a negative impact on your credit rating. Be organized and pay your bills on time. Set up automatic payments or a reminder system to help you meet payment deadlines. If you are in financial trouble, negotiate more manageable repayment plans, but remember that late payments will be on your credit report for 6-7 years.

Settle overdue accounts, this has an impact on your score

If you have accounts in collection, it is important to make an agreement and settle them as soon as possible, the impact on your credit report is important and will impact the score until the situation is resolved.

 

Reduce your debt, don’t exceed 60% of the authorized limits on your cards

High-interest debt has a negative effect on your credit rating. To pay them off more easily, focus on paying off the highest balances, either by consolidating with a low-interest loan or by strategic balance transfers between cards.
It is important not to maintain a limit higher than 60% on your credit cards, for example if your credit card authorizes $2000 you should not exceed $1200.

Use credit wisely, avoid applying for too much credit

The credit utilization ratio plays an important role in your credit rating. This ratio represents the average amount used compared to the total amount available and should be 30% or less. To reduce this percentage, pay down high-interest debt and accept pre-approved limit increases. Reduce your expenses without compromising your quality of life.

Build a diversified credit history

A diversified credit profile helps maintain or improve your credit rating. A balanced mix of different types of credit, such as a mortgage, loan or credit card, can help build your credit history. Make sure you make your payments on time and avoid canceling old cards (they help to build a history and contribute significantly to your credit score)

Apply for a loan RSP

The latter allows you to start lowering your tax bill and, thanks to it, to build up your future down payment (Some banks will require that the loan be repaid so that your RSP investments can be used as part of a HBP (Home Ownership Plan)

In short, your credit rating is a crucial indicator of your financial success.

If you are building your credit report and are new to Canada, we recommend you read our article: Understanding Credit Scores for Newcomers

By following these tips, you can improve your credit report and obtain benefits such as mortgages with better interest rates, loans, credit cards and apartment rentals. Check your credit report regularly, pay your bills on time, reduce your debt, use credit wisely, build a diverse credit history and avoid impact inquiries to improve your credit score. If you are having trouble improving your credit score, please contact our mortgage brokers for personalized help and advice.

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