The impact of payday loans on the credit score is a longstanding debate, with some claiming it does not affect while others say otherwise. Your credit score will determine if you qualify for a loan and the rates that the lenders will give you. The better the credit score, the higher the chances of securing a loan and the lower the interest rate. When formulating
Insurance companies also evaluate your credit score premiums for auto, home, and other covers. The importance of a good credit score cannot be overemphasized because even landlords look at it to determine if you can rent their property.
But how does a payday loan affect your credit score?
This article will look at how payday loans impact your credit score and how to manage it.
Does a payday loan appear on credit reports?
Yes, it does. When you take a payday loan, the credit report bureaus will note that just like a traditional loan. This is because a credit report shows your borrowing and credit payment habits.
How does a payday loan impact my credit score?
A payday loan impacts your credit score in two ways; it can hurt or build it. The impact depends on several factors, including:
- How often you borrow payday loans
- If you repay your payday loan on time
- Whether you have multiple payday loan debts at the same time
How often you borrow payday loans
Making many payday loan applications within a short period could create a negative impact on our credit report. Banks and other traditional lenders will see this as a red flag of a risky borrowing habit. If you fail to pay these loans on time, your credit score will fall. To avoid hurting your credit, space out your payday applications and only consider it as a last resort.
If you repay your payday loan on time or not
This is the primary impact of a payday loan on a credit score. Potential lenders will look at the loans you defaulted on or how you pay your debts. Defaulting payments will crash your credit score in two ways:
- The lender forwards your debt to collection bureaus who report it to credit bureaus
- The lender files a lawsuit in a small claims court. If the court rules against your favor, this event will appear in your credit report and hurt your credit score.
Does paying a payday loan on time build my credit score?
According to the Consumer Credit Bureau, paying your payday loan on time does not have a significant impact on your credit score. This is because lenders don’t report these payments to the credit bureaus.
However, paying the loan on time looks good to other lenders reading your report and could give you an upper hand when applying for bigger loans. You will also get better interest rates.
Whether you have multiple payday loans at the same time
When you borrow payday loans from various lenders, all this goes to your credit report. Although paying all the loans on time won’t affect your credit score, banks, credit card companies, and credit unions view this as irresponsible borrowing. They might therefore deny you loans in the future.
Payday loan tips to help you boost your credit score
The following tips will help you manage your credit score when you have a payday loan:
- Pay your payday loan on time
- Don’t take multiple payday loans at the same time
- Avoid taking payday loans simultaneously. Try other alternatives if you just finished paying a payday loan and need more financial help.
- Get a payday loan consolidation service from specialize provider
Wrap up
Credit scores determine several things in your financial life. A lender will gauge your eligibility for a loan and the interest rate depending on your credit score. Insurers, landlords, and other service providers also look at your credit score to make their decisions.
Payday loans impact your credit score by either building or ruining it. Paying your loan on time will build your credit score. On the other hand, defaulting or paying late will bring down your credit score. Additionally, taking multiple loans simultaneously and taking new loans simultaneously negatively impact your credit score