Credit scores are important. Many people are taking more time to review their scores and finding ways to improve them, especially younger consumers who typically have lower credit scores.. Why is that the case? The information below delves into this topic and outlines ways for consumers to increase their credit score.
It’s never been easier to learn more about your credit score and history. As a result, people’s scores are higher than ever. Age is an advantage with older Americans having higher credit scores than younger ones. VantageScore, which was created by the credit reporting agencies Experian, TransUnion and Equifax, details this trend. The VantageScore ranges from 300 to 850, with 850 signifying exceptional credit.
Average VantageScore by generation
730 – Silent Generation (born between 1925 and 1946)
700 – Baby Boomers (born between 1947 and 1966)
655 – Generation X (born between 1967 and 1981)
634 – Millennials (born between 1982 and 1995)
631 – Generation Z (born 1996 and later)
Source: Creditcards.com
There are many reasons why older consumers have better credit score averages than younger consumers.
• A long credit history contributes to a higher score. While amounts owed and diversity of credit contribute to your credit score, payment history and credit length together make up half of the total credit score. Since younger consumers, especially those under the age of 25, have relatively short credit histories, it can be challenging to achieve stellar credit.
• Younger consumers may not have a well-rounded mix of credit types, including a mortgage, car loan, credit cards, etc. While they may have student loans
and a credit card or two, they may
not have had the need to purchase a home or new car as the older generations did at that age.
How is your credit score calculated?
35% Payment history
30% Amounts owed
15% Credit history
10% Inquiries, new credit lines
10% Types of credit in use
• Younger consumers tend to have lower incomes than older consumers. Since many are at the beginning of their careers, they’ll likely earn less than others who are well-advanced into their careers or retired. As a result, they may not qualify for high credit limits, which would lower their debt-utilization ratio. Additionally, it’s often challenging, though not impossible, to take control of debt with a low income.
The good news is, over time the score will increase, especially if you utilize these habits:
• Keep making payments on time. You’ll build habits with each payment you make.
• Use credit responsibly. If possible, avoid new inquiries and opening new accounts.If you’re rate shopping, do so within a small window so it doesn’t raise any flags on your credit.
• Avoid carrying high balances on your credit cards. Pay down your debt and keep your balance less than 35 percent of your total available credit.
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