Knowing Your Score: Your Financial GPA

GPA is an acronym for grade point average, which represents of your overall academic
performance. You probably know your GPA, or at least are familiar with the term from report
cards and college applications. But did you know that your credit score is like a financial GPA?

How is my credit score like a GPA?

Just like your GPA, your credit score is a cumulative number that represents what you have done, only it exists in the world of credit instead of academics. The same way colleges use your GPA to forecast academic success, your credit score is a predictor of how likely you are to be financially responsible and repay a loan.

How is it calculated?

• Your FICO credit score is calculated in this way: 35 percent is based on
  payment history; 30 percent is outstanding debt and how much credit is
  already available, even if you haven’t used it; 15 percent is based on the length
  of time a consumer has had credit; 10 percent is based on the amount of
  inquiries into a report; and 10 percent is based on current types of credit.
• To start building a good credit history, open a checking or savings account. For
  your first credit card, consider tying the credit card to those accounts. with a
  low credit limit is a good option. You could also consider obtaining a small
  loan, such as a used car loan, and having a parent or other trusted adult with
  good credit co-sign the loan. That way you can piggyback on their good credit
  history.
• Your credit score will be a number between 300 and 850, depending on the
  criteria used to calculate. A credit score of 720 or above is good, and will
  enable you to be approved for a loan more easily and at a better interest rate. 

How do I raise my credit score?

• Pay your bills in full and on time.
• Regularly check your credit report. Review for errors or inaccuracies and address any you find. Check it for free at annualcreditreport.com.
• Watch for warning signs of credit trouble. For example, if you’re only able to pay the minimum payment, if you pay late, or if you use credit for everyday expenses, you’re already in trouble. Make sure you think about what it is thatyou’re using credit to buy.
• Stick to a spending plan. It may be difficult when you’re first getting started, but a budget is the first step to financial freedom. Start by writing down what you spend for a month or two, you’ll be surprised how much you spend and where, and hopefully find ways to save.

Decoding the Numbers

Your score places you into specific categories that lenders use to assess risk:

Optimize Your Rating

Higher scores indicate lower risk and can be improved by paying on time, keeping credit card balances low, and monitoring your report annually for accuracy. 

Use tools like BNC National Bank’s Credit Assessment Calculator to evaluate your debt load and maintain a clear picture of your financial health.

Ready to leverage your score for a personal loan? Take the first step toward smarter borrowing today! Contact BNC National Bank to learn about our competitive personal loan options and how they can work for you.