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CREDIT PLAYBOOK
The Credit Game
Your credit score is your financial reputation. Here's everything you need to know to build it, protect it, and use it to your advantage.
Your credit score is your financial reputation. Here's everything you need to know to build it, protect it, and use it to your advantage.
Think of your credit score as your financial report card. It's a three-digit number that tells lenders how risky you are to lend money to. The higher the number, the more trustworthy you look.
Your credit score isn't a measure of your worth as a person. It's just a number that shows how you've handled borrowed money. A low score doesn't make you a bad person — it just means there's work to do.
Do you pay on time? This is the biggest factor. Even one late payment can hurt. Set up autopay for at least the minimum — don't leave this to chance.
How much of your available credit are you using? Keep it under 30%, ideally under 10%. If you have a $10,000 limit, try to keep your balance under $1,000.
How long have you had credit? Older accounts help. Don't close old cards even if you don't use them — that history is valuable.
Different types of credit (cards, loans, mortgage) show you can handle various accounts. Don't stress about this one too much.
Applying for lots of new credit at once looks desperate. Space out applications and only apply when you need to.
You're a unicorn. Best rates on everything.
You'll get great rates and easy approvals.
Solid. Most lenders will work with you.
Higher rates, but still options available.
Limited options, but you can rebuild from here.
Get your free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for errors — they're more common than you'd think.
At minimum, autopay your minimums. Late payments are score killers.
Pay down balances or request credit limit increases. Under 30% is the goal.
Found something wrong? Dispute it. The bureaus have 30 days to investigate.
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