get the most out of your credit score
The world of credit is scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Get an all-in-one credit report that tells you everything you need to know about your credit score, and banish the fear of finding out in place for good vibes (with Good With).
why is building credit important?
for the right now stuff
Your credit score is often used without you even knowing, to determine how trustworthy you are with your money. Your creditworthiness, if you want to be fancy. This can impact you when you want to rent a new place, buy or finance a shiny new car, or even in job interviews if the employer includes a credit check in their hiring process.
for the future you stuff
Staying aware and slowly building your score can save your energy, stress levels, and even money in the long run. If you want to buy a house one day, a good credit score is lowkey crucial or you risk being denied a mortgage. Good credit means higher loan amounts, less interest, and more options. Good vibes all round for future you.
sounds like a later me issue
Being conscious about credit now can lead to less stress, strain, and bad vibes all round. You may not know it, but you have a credit score attached to you right now, even if you’ve never dealt with credit or loans.
your next step to stressing less
keep things simple with 1 big score
With multiple credit bureaus with their own way of doing things, get 1 score that covers the important bits. Get all the info you need about your credit score in one place, and we’ll help you break it down so you can focus just on the important bits.
it’s your score, own it
Even if you’ve never dealt with credit or loans, you’ve got a credit score on you (don’t take it personally, we all do). Beat the FOFO (fear of finding out) and be the boss of your money, not the other way around. We’ll be right here keep the stress and jargon levels low, and the good vibes high.
because the time is now
Building credit can feel daunting. But the first step is beating the FOFO and seeing where you’re at right now. Your credit score isn’t a permanent number. Taking control of your money now means less stress now and later, guaranteeing you that money-peace-of-mind you deserve.
1. get your credit report
2. decipher it with us
3. feel good with credit
By following the link to Check My File, you'll find a pretty snazzy all-in-one credit report. They offer a free 30-day trial before providing a subscription service (of £14.99 a month), but fear not! As you can cancel at any time. Check My File has been Good With-approved and we think they offer a pretty solid way of viewing a credit report that cuts the jargon and keeps things in one place. But, as with all ways with life, you are free to do as you choose. Follow the good vibes. It's worth noting, however, that we will continually put out resources and content to help you get the most out of your CMF report, so you're not alone in building your credit game.
how to boost your credit score
authorise on another card
Can’t get your hands on a credit card? When you become an authorized user on someone else's credit card (anyone, not just family), their good credit history and payment behaviour can be reflected on your credit report. This can help improve your credit score since it demonstrates a history of responsible credit usage, even if you don't actually use the card yourself.
spend spend spend (a bit)
If you’ve got a credit card, you have to actually use it (a little bit) in order to reap the benefits. Think of it as reminding the credit people that you exist. Conscious spending and usage can go a long way. Adding your Netflix or Spotify subscription can drop the admin and pick up your credit score in a passive, automatic way. Keep things simple for yourself by using autopay.
keep an eye on it
Things happen. Adulting is hard. A great credit score takes a little bit of time for everyone. But keeping an eye on your credit score means you stay in control. If there are changes, you’ll know about it, why it happened, and what you can do about it. Even just checking your credit score can boost your score!
get the most out of your report
By following this link, you’ll be taken to Check My File, a pretty snazzy all-in-one credit report place. They offer a free 30-day trial before providing a subscription service (of £14.99 a month), but fear not! As you can cancel at any time. Check My File has been Good With-approved and we think they offer a pretty solid way of viewing a credit report that cuts the jargon and keeps things in one place. But, as with all ways with life, you are free to do as you choose. Follow the good vibes. It's worth noting, however, that we will continually put out resources and content to help you get the most out of your CMF report, so you're not alone in building your credit game.
FOFO is real! It’s easy to ignore daunting things, yes. Very true. But checking out your credit report is the first step into being the boss of your money (and not the other way around). You know the saying ‘money can’t buy you happiness?’ and how you roll your eyes at anyone who feels the need to say it? We feel you. Credit isn’t exactly everything, but it does make things a whole lot easier not just for future you, but for right now you. Get your credit report sussed, get the good with stance on it, so you can feel good with money and your credit score.
Each credit bureau uses a different scoring method, which is why Check My File’s all-in-one score is pretty useful. Check My File provides one score based on all 4 credit reference agencies. It can be tricky to decipher what each score really represents, as one bureau’s ‘good’ might be another bureau’s ‘excellent’. Generally speaking (and we mean generallyyyy), above 760 can be seen from pretty decent to upwards of great. CheckMyFile uses a simple system from 0–1,000. The higher the number, the better off you’re seen overall. Their system revolves around the concept of ‘risk of payment difficulties’ (or, risk of defaulting if you want to be technical):
- - Up to 449: 38%
- - 450 - 639: 24%
- - 640 - 719: 15%
- - 720 - 829: 8%
- - 830 - 900: 4%
- - 900 and above: 2%
are estimates of what your score might mean in terms of how likely credit bureaus see you having payment difficulty. the lower your % means the less likely you are to have any difficulties (in their eyes).
Your credit report is unique to you, but you’ll be able to see things such as:
- - Late or unpaid instalments that present an issue for future credit applications, along with defaults.
- - Credit information concerning linked accounts with joint applicants such as housemates or partners, past and present, if you have held a joint account within the last six years.
Essentially, what it means for you is that you can:
- - Understand your financial health and assess your current standing.
- - Build a positive credit history for future financial ventures.
- - Detect errors or signs of identity fraud.
- - Take proactive measures to improve your credit score.
- - Stay informed about your financial situation and ensure accuracy of credit info.
- - Set the stage for responsible money management and a healthier financial future.