Building Healthy Credit

Which person probably has the lowest credit score?

• A woman who has missed three credit card payments in a row.

• A man who has had three car repossessions

• A woman who has a $125,000 house loan

True or false: "Bad credit is better than no credit"

• True

• False

What does it take to keep a good credit score with credit cards?

• Making your monthly payments on time.

• Making most of your payments most of the time.

• Having lots of cards so that no single card is above the limit.

• Paying off balance each month.

• Keeping Balances below limits

How could opening several new credit accounts all at the same time affect your credit score?

• It helps: it says I can handle lots of new credit

• It hurts: it says I had too little credit to begin with

• It helps: it says I had too little credit to begin with, but now I have the correct amount

• It hurts: it says I may be in trouble and need lots of help to stay afloat

What is the single best thing you can do to help build a good credit score and to keep it once you have it?

• Pay my bills on time

• Keep balances on all accounts low

• Take out only the credit I need when I need it

• Pay cash

Which helps to establish a negative credit history?

• Make payments on or before the due date.

• Never miss a payment.

• Pay off the full amount with the first monthly statement.

• Pay less than the minimum amount due.

Dahlia is explaining to her sister why a positive credit history is important. Which of the following should Dahlia give as reasons for a positive credit history? Check all that apply.

• A good credit history portrays irresponsibility.

• A good credit history results in lower interest rates.

• A good credit history makes borrowing easier.

• A good credit history results in higher interest rates.

• A good credit history may result in denial of a rental application.

This year, Mr. Thomas has a higher credit score than he did last year. Which of the following should Mr. Thomas expect with the improved score? Check all that apply.

• a more difficult time borrowing money to buy a house

• an easier time getting a car loan

• an easier time renting an apartment

• a denial when opening a bank account

• higher interest rates on credit cards

Which is considered a good credit practice?

• Use the credit card with the highest interest rate.

• Make late payments.

• Pay more than the minimum amount that is due.

• Borrow more than one can afford to repay.