Credit, credit, credit. Without it, it can be difficult to rent an apartment, buy a house, even get a job.
And when applying for a small business startup loan, your credit score will largely determine whether the bank approves your loan as well as how favorable your terms are.
Armed with a few tips for improving credit scores, you'll be on the path to success.
What Is A Good Credit Score?
Scores range from 300 to 850, with 850 being perfect. A score of 700 and above is good and should get you a loan with fair terms; 760 or higher and you should receive excellent terms.
Tips For Improving Credit Scores
While there are no overnight secrets for establishing good credit, the suggestions below can help you build and maintain a solid credit score.
Pull your credit reports (free at https://www.annualcreditreport.com once per year, which includes all three reporting agencies) and fine tooth comb it to be sure everything is correct. It's not uncommon for debt to land on the wrong person's report; if this happens, call the reporting agency and after you answer some questions, they'll correct it. Always verify that it's been corrected; they'll allow you to see the follow up report for free for this purpose.
Spend the extra money to get your credit score. The report will also list which activities helped your score and which hurt. If there's anything you can remedy, do so immediately. Taking action on items under your control can help you avoid bad credit.
Part of your score is total available credit versus utilized credit. This means, if you have 3 cards with a $10,000 limit apiece, and you've only got $1,000 charged to each, you're using 10% of your available credit, which means you're a low risk. Paying off some of your balances can improve your score.
If you're struggling to keep your available credit low, note on your credit reports which day of the month your credit cards report to the agencies… and make your monthly payment right before that.
Your credit score deals with the last 7 years, but primarily focuses on the previous 24 months. If you have some negative things in your credit report that are nearly 7 years old or nearly 2 years old, it may be best to wait to apply for the loan. While waiting you can also get started on additional credit repair activities.
Some types of credit report inquiries can negatively impact your credit score. Examine the inquiries (on your credit report) and if there are some unnecessary inquiries (like a bank or insurance company that's trying to court you as their customer), call them and ask them to stop. You can also opt out of credit card offers at https://www.optoutprescreen.com.
One of the most effective tips for improving credit scores is to pay bills by the due date, or at least before they're 30 days overdue. If you are unable to pay the minimum, then call the vendor and make payment arrangements. Late payments show up on your credit report and stay there for years.
Just Before You Apply For A Loan
You'll probably need to open some vendor accounts for your business. Don't do so until after you've received the loan. Opening accounts can be a red flag and harm your credit score. Closing accounts can be a similar bane, so if you're not using the account, leave it alone for now.
Armed with these tips for improving credit scores, you should be well on your way to improving your credit and qualifying for a small business loan.
