Credit > Understanding Your Credit Score (2) Another reason why you should consider closing unnecessary charge accounts is because revolving debt weighs heavier against your credit score than installment loan debt. Installment loan debt is debt that credit grantors underwrite (review for approval) each time a consumer requests an extension of credit. It is considered to be more regulated and consumers are less likely to get into a difficult financial situation because if they are risky to lend to, the loan will be denied. However, revolving debt is relatively easy to acquire by the consumer and if a consumer has high available balances on revolving debt, regulating use of their credit is at their own discretion, not the lenders. High credit limits on revolving debt may indicate a consumer's inability to control spending behaviors. Pay down loan and credit card balances If your balances are high relative to the loaned amount or credit limit, it may weigh against your credit score. High balances in comparison to your credit limit may be considered a sign that you are overextending yourself and dependent on credit to maintain, or artificially enhance, your style of living. It can be regarded as an indication that you are not in control of your spending habits because you consume up to the maximum that your credit will allow. If you pay your credit cards off on a monthly basis or carry reasonable balances and establish a consistent payment history on credit cards, it may assist you in building credit. However, carrying high balances and exhausting available credit limits may be considered unreasonable use of credit and may weigh against your credit score. Limit the number of new accounts and inquiries An excessive number of new accounts (accounts opened within the last year) or inquiries may indicate that a consumer is desperate for credit, which may be reflective of a credit problem. Too many new accounts can weigh against your credit score. Numerous inquiries may be considered a threat to a lender because they may indicate that a consumer is attempting to acquire multiple lines of credit at the same time, which could lead to the consumer being overextended and at risk of defaulting on their obligations. In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, inquiries can remain on a consumer's credit for a maximum of two years. Numerous inquiries may be reflective of a consumer who is subject to excessive impulse buying desires or a consumer that is dependent on additional credit to get out of a financial crisis. |
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