I was told that I shouldn't bother paying off my debts (other than student loans), because paying it out won't change my credit score at all. It will still be lousy, so I might as well keep my money. True?
By Jenlyn from Tonawanda, NY
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Paying off creditors definitely raises your credit score. It lowers your debt to income ratio which is something lenders look at. It take a month or so for payoffs to show up on your credit report. Hope that helps!
That will work if you don't plan on buying a car or house in the next 10+ years. It might also hinder you from getting a job, as credit scores are checked when you apply at many jobs.
You were given bad advice. You should certainly pay off your debt, because not doing so will hurt you in the long run. However, if you've defaulted on a credit card debt and want to settle the account, be prepared to pay the agreed-upon amount immediately because otherwise you'll get a "ding" on your credit score for initiating action on a past-due account and not closing it.
Begin by concentrating on your credit card debt, which typically has the highest interest rates, and save larger amounts with lower interest rates (such as your student loans or mortgage) for long-term payoff.
Over one third of your credit score is based upon whether you pay bills in a timely manner.It's better to make small payments you can afford than to make no payment at all. You owe the debt. Pay your bills. You'll feel better in the long run knowing you are doing the right thing.
You were given some pretty bad advice. Pay your credit cards on time. Don't just pay the minimum either. Paying off your credit card debt is only one way to up your credit score. Once your credit card debt is paid off, DO NOT close the card. Creditors see this as a black mark against you. Also DO NOT close a credit card with debt still to be paid out. Creditors see this as a bad risk. Once your credit cards are paid off, keep only 2 of them. Use one for emergencies and the other should be used for airline tickets and car rentals. The other cards should remain open, but if you cut up the cards you will not do any damage to your credit score.
Make sure you get an itemized copy of your past credit history and examine it every three months. If a debt was paid off in that three months and was not removed from your bad debt history, contact the appropriate people with whom the debt was with and explain to them that you are checking your credit history and would like that item removed since you have already paid this off.
Another thing about credit cards is to stop opening new accounts. Every time your credit history is opened by a new creditor (aka credit card, loan company, etc) 10 points drop from your credit score. I had a client once that would open those credit cards with 0% interest every 3-6 months and she kept transferring her money over. This debt transfer game cast her 80 points within a couple of years.
It pays to stay on top of your debt and get it paid off.
Even if you're way past due on your bills, if you can pay them off, it will definitely raise your score - I know from experience. We went through this when buying our house. The process took a couple of months and with each debt that was paid (even though late), the credit score rose.
I agree with everyone else here. My credit score is improving, and all I'm doing is paying a few dollars more than my minimum credit-card payment every month, on time. (For example, my minimum due this month was $75; I paid $80.)
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