Our Guide to Understanding your Credit Score

In the world of finance, a credit score is a crucial factor that can significantly impact a person or a company’s ability to secure loans, obtain favourable interest rates, and access various financial opportunities.

At The One Stop Money Shop, we aim to help you make informed decisions, so we will delve into what a credit score is, why it is important, what it is used for, and how it is measured.

What is a credit score?

A credit score is a measure of a person’s or a company’s creditworthiness. It reflects their ability to repay borrowed funds based on past financial behaviour and their credit history. Credit scores are assigned by credit bureaus or score agencies, such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, and are typically expressed as a three-digit number.

For instance, a credit score of 750 on a scale of 300 to 850 indicates a high level of creditworthiness, while a score of 450 suggests a lower creditworthiness and poses higher risks to lenders.

Why is a credit score important?

A credit score can play a large part in a person or company’s financial opportunities, and they are important  because:

a) Loan Approval: Lenders use credit scores as a primary factor in assessing loan applications. A higher credit score increases the chances of loan approval, while a poor score may result in rejection or limited loan options.

b) Interest Rates: Credit scores directly influence the interest rates offered on loans and credit cards. Borrowers with excellent credit scores are more likely to receive lower interest rates, reducing the overall cost of borrowing.

c) Financial Opportunities: A strong credit score can open doors to various financial opportunities, such as obtaining a mortgage, leasing a vehicle, or securing favourable insurance premiums.

Consider two people applying for a mortgage. One has a credit score of 800, while the other has a score of 450. The person with the higher score is more likely to receive a lower interest rate, resulting in significant savings over the life of the mortgage.

What is a credit score used for?

Credit scores serve multiple purposes in the world of finance:

a) Lending Decisions: Lenders rely on credit scores to measure the risk associated with lending money. A higher credit score indicates a lower risk borrower, meaning they are more likely to receive better terms of a loan.

b) Rental Applications: Landlords often use credit scores to evaluate potential tenants. A higher credit score can increase the chances of being approved for a rental property lease and negotiate better rental terms.

c) Employment Opportunities: Some employers consider credit scores as part of the hiring process, especially for roles that involve financial responsibilities. A good credit score can reflect positively on a person’s reliability and financial management.

How is a credit score measured?

Credit scores are determined using various factors, including:

a) Payment History: Timely payment of bills and debts, including credit cards, loans, and utilities, positively impacts credit scores. Late payments or defaults can lower the score.

b) Credit Utilisation: The ratio of credit used to the available credit limit, known as credit utilisation, influences credit scores. A lower utilisation percentage indicates responsible credit management.

c) Credit History Length: The length of credit history plays a role in credit scores. A longer credit history provides more data points for assessment.

d) Types of Credit: Having a mix of credit accounts, such as credit cards, loans, and mortgages, can positively influence credit scores if managed responsibly.

History of Credit scores in the UK

The history of credit scores in the UK can be traced back to the 1960s and 1970s when international credit score agencies like Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s expanded their operations to provide credit scores for UK entities. In the 1980s, local credit score agencies emerged to meet the growing demand for domestic credit assessments.

The 1990s witnessed increased competition and market liberalisation in the UK credit score industry, with various international agencies expanding their operations. Regulatory oversight and reforms were implemented in the 2000s and 2010s to ensure accuracy and transparency in credit scores. Credit scores continue to play a crucial role in the UK’s financial landscape, influencing investment decisions and lending practices.

Today, a diverse range of credit score agencies, both international and domestic, operate in the UK, supporting financial markets with independent credit risk assessments.

How does a loan affect your credit score?

Taking out a loan can have a significant impact on your credit score, influencing your future borrowing opportunities and financial standing. Knowing how loans affect your credit score and understanding ways you can build your credit score by making timely payments will help you manage your finances in the short and long term.

How a loan affects your credit score

When you borrow money and take out a loan, several factors come into play that can affect your credit score:

a) Payment History:

Your loan repayment history has a substantial impact on your credit score. Making timely payments demonstrates responsible financial behaviour and positively influences your creditworthiness. On the other hand, late or missed payments can result in negative marks on your credit report, lowering your credit score.

If you consistently make on-time payments towards your loan, it can enhance your credit score and show potential lenders that you are a reliable borrower.

b) Credit Usage:

The amount of credit you are using compared to your total available credit, known as credit utilisation, is an essential factor in credit scores. Taking out a loan increases your overall debt, potentially impacting your credit utilisation ratio. Higher credit usage can lower your credit score, especially if it exceeds recommended limits.

Suppose you have multiple loans and credit card balances that use a significant portion of your available credit. In that case, it can negatively affect your credit score, as it suggests a higher risk of overextending your borrowing capacity.

c) Credit Mix and New Credit:

Loans also contribute to the diversity of your credit mix, which is another factor considered in credit scores. Having a mix of different types of credit, such as loans, credit cards, and mortgages, can positively influence your creditworthiness. Additionally, taking on new loans or opening new credit accounts can temporarily impact your credit score due to increased inquiries and the potential for higher debt.

If you have a credit history that primarily consists of credit cards and limited loan experience, adding a loan to your credit profile can demonstrate your ability to handle different types of credit responsibly.

How to build your credit score by making payments

Building your credit score through loan payments requires discipline and consistent financial habits. Here are some strategies to consider:

a) Timely Payments:

Make all loan payments on time without fail. Late or missed payments can have a detrimental impact on your credit score. Set up automatic payments or reminders to ensure you stay on track with your loan obligations.

If you have a personal loan with monthly instalments, ensure you budget and allocate funds to make the payment by the due date consistently.

b) Pay Above the Minimum:

Whenever possible, pay more than the minimum payment required on your loan. This not only helps you pay off the loan faster but also demonstrates your ability to manage debt responsibly.

If your loan requires a monthly payment of £200, consider paying £250 or more to accelerate the repayment process and showcase your commitment to financial responsibility.

c) Avoid Overborrowing:

Be mindful of the amount you borrow and ensure it aligns with your repayment capabilities. Taking on excessive debt can strain your finances and potentially lead to missed payments or defaults, negatively impacting your credit score.

Before taking out a loan, carefully evaluate your budget and financial capacity to determine an affordable loan amount that you can comfortably repay.

d) Monitor Your Credit Report:

Regularly review your credit report to ensure the accuracy of loan information and detect any potential errors or discrepancies. Addressing issues promptly can prevent them from adversely affecting your credit score.

Obtain a free copy of your credit report from a credit bureau like Equifax or Experian and review it to verify that all loan accounts and payment histories are accurately reflected

Build your credit score with us

Arranging a loan with The One Stop Money Shop can help you improve your credit score by providing an opportunity to establish a positive credit history through timely repayments. By diversifying your credit mix and showcasing responsible borrowing behaviour, borrowers can enhance their creditworthiness and demonstrate their ability to handle different types of credit. 

Additionally, securing a loan can improve credit usage by increasing available credit and lowering the credit utilisation ratio. 

For those with limited credit history or poor credit scores, The One Stop Money Shop offers a chance to rebuild or establish credit by consistently making payments and managing the loan responsibly. 

It is important to note that improving credit takes time and requires consistent effort, but working with The One Stop Money Shop can be a proactive step towards building a stronger credit score and gaining access to better borrowing opportunities in the future.

Benefits of applying for finance with The One Stop Money Shop

Here are some of the most compelling benefits of applying for a loan with The One Stop Money Shop:

• Same Day Direct Loans: Borrow from £400 to £2,500 with funds paid on the same day.
• No Credit Score Impact: Applying for a loan won’t affect your credit score.
• Fast Application and Decision: Get a decision within 1-2 hours for quick access to funds.
• Acceptance of CCJs and Poor Credit History: They consider applications from individuals with CCJs and poor credit history.
• Flexible Repayment Terms: Enjoy repayment terms ranging from 6 to 24 months.
• Fee-Free Loans: Loans are paid directly into your bank account without any additional fees.
• Easy 5-Minute Application: Complete a quick online application in just 5 minutes for instant provisional approval.

These benefits highlight the convenience, flexibility, and inclusive approach of our loans, making them a suitable choice for individuals seeking quick and accessible loans, even with poor credit histories or CCJs.

Who we Are

We are a reputable online money lender that was founded in 2002 as a credit broker before transitioning into its current role. Based in Wakefield, Yorkshire, we serve customers throughout the UK with a flexible instalment loan product. We offer repayment options spanning from 6 to 24 months, providing customers with greater flexibility and breathing space to repay their loans. 

We are fully authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), demonstrating our commitment to safe and transparent financial products. We conduct thorough checks to ensure customers can afford the loans and prioritise clear communication throughout the borrowing process. Our application process is completed entirely online, with a quick decision turnaround time of 1-2 hours, ensuring you receive a swift response, and if applicable, a fast pay-out. Approved applications received before 3:30pm are usually funded on the same working day, providing customers with swift access to the funds they need. 

Overall, The One Stop Money Shop is a reliable and customer-oriented choice for individuals seeking responsible financial assistance.