Tag Archives: credit report

3 Credit Myths Debunked

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The hardest problem for anyone looking to purchase a vehicle is knowing where to start. It typically begins long before stepping foot in the dealership. One of the most difficult things to understand is credit. There are many myths that are thought of concerning credit. With the help of a piece on UsNews, though, we’ll try to break down some of those myths to make the process a little easier.

The first myth is only having one credit score. It certainly would be nice if that was true. Having only one credit score to worry about would make things much easier. However, the sad truth of reality is that it is more complicated than that.

A person’s credit score is based on the credit report between the three credit bureaus- Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Each of these bureaus uses different methods of determining credit scores to complicate the matter even more. Other various credit scoring models also have an impact, each one using slightly different modeling than the next.

The danger of this myth, according to Us News, is that you can be scared into paying for unnecessary services. You may subscribe to credit monitoring programs that do not give you the information you really need. What you see is not necessarily what the creditors see. Be wary of paying for information concerning your credit score.

The second myth is having a balance in order to have a good credit score. The balance that is reported to the bureaus tends to be the previous statement’s balance. The bad implication believing in this myth may have is that you may be keeping on unnecessary debt by not paying off bills in order to have a higher balance. Don’t let yourself fall behind in order to buy into this myth.

The final myth is one that should definitely be challenged. The idea that the credit bureaus are always right. This couldn’t be a more wrong idea to believe. It would be a magical and great world if it were the case, but as many can attribute, it simply isn’t. According to the Federal Trade Commission, one in five people have errors on at least one of the major three credit reports.

Thinking the reports are accurate encourage complacency. It means doing nothing when action should be taken. Having a lower credit score than you could have is going to hinder approvals and interest rates. Knowing what is on a credit report can be the difference of thousands of dollars.

As Us News says, and we agree, it is not fun but it is necessary to scan through credit reports to find and dispute any and all errors. It is tedious, it is annoying, but it the reward is plentiful. Having healthy credit is important and everything should be done in order to achieve it.

If you have any more questions regarding credit issues or are looking to start the process in getting approval for an auto loan, contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge. Be sure to like us on Facebook and to follow us on Twitter.

Getting a Top Credit Score in 4 Simple Steps

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ID-100172171A recent article from US News & World Report points to four common habits of consumers with FICO credit scores of 785 or higher, the top bracket of credit scores. What set these consumers apart from the rest? Read on to find out.

First, these consumers did not miss their payment due dates. 35 percent of an overall credit score is based on payment history, and after missing a payment, a consumer’s credit score will automatically drop. Making payments on time is one of the quickest and most substantial ways to improve a credit score.

Second, they try to keep credit card balances below 20 percent or 10 percent if possible. The key is to keep the card active while maintaining a low credit utilization across the board. Consumers who are maxing out all of their credit cards appear riskier to banks and lending institutions.

Third, they do not close old credit card accounts. Credit scores are partially calculated based on how long a consumer has been utilizing credit, and if the credit card account is closed, the card will stop reporting to the credit bureaus. For example, let’s say that Jill has a credit card that has been active for 18 years, a car loan that she has been paying for 1 year, and a store credit card that she just opened a few months ago. If she closes her credit card account, her credit report will state that her credit history only goes back 1 year to when she got her car loan, and her overall score will suffer tremendously.

Fourth, they do not apply for a lot of new credit in a short amount of time. These consumers aren’t afraid to diversify the type of credit on their report, but they also are not applying for every credit card offer that arrives in the mail. Applying for a lot of credit cards or loans in only a few months is a red flag to lenders, and it can hurt a consumer’s credit score.

How are you doing on these four habits? 2 out of 4? 3 out of 4? Leave a comment below, and let us know.

Obtaining an auto loan without a credit history is tough, but it is achievable. Contact a sales person at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge and find a time to come in so we can work with you to find the proper loan. We’ll get you driving away in the new or pre-owned vehicle best suited for your lifestyle. Be sure to like us on Facebook and to follow us on Twitter to see our monthly specials.

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How to Spot ID Theft on Your Credit Report

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ID-10060832An important aspect of qualifying for an auto loan, even with troubled credit, is your credit score.  One of the best ways an applicant can prepare for the process is to go over their report and ensure that everything listed is correct.  Any number of things can work against you, which is why everyone always recommends a look over before making any major financial decisions.  Be on the lookout for anything that doesn’t match up with your own records.  If you see something wrong, get it taken care of.  Another thing to be aware of if you see something unfamiliar on your credit report is that you may be a victim of identity theft.

TransUnion has some tips to help make sure you can avoid being a victim.  There are certain signs in your report that may point to fraud.  Here’s what you need to keep an eye out for:

  • If you see any accounts, payment histories, addresses, inquires, or Social Security Numbers that you don’t recognize.
  • If an unknown creditor tells you they got an application with your name and Social Security on it that you were unaware of.
  • If you’re getting calls or letters informing you of being approved or denied for credit but never applied.
  • If you have gotten credit card, utility, or telephone statements that are in your name but you never applied.
  • If you notice that your mail, including credit card statements, is not always being delivered to you.
  • If there are credit card purchases you don’t recognize.
  • If a collection agency contacts you about collecting on an account you never opened.

These are all important signs that someone has gotten ahold of your information and are using it for malicious purposes.  Make sure you are aware so that you can work to protect yourself.  Don’t let a thief drag down your credit and along with it the ability to apply for credit.

If you’re in the market for a vehicle then contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge and find out how we can help.  We love to say yes!  Browse our new and pre-owned inventory online.  Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more news and monthly offers.