These days, more service providers rely on credit scores to set up contracts or activate services. Cell phone providers and water and electric companies often use credit scores to determine security deposit amounts and whether they'll require one at all. Those with low credit may be required to pay larger amounts upfront to protect the provider from loss if they don't pay their bills. These same providers are often happy to waive security deposits for customers with impeccable payment history. In some cases, those customers may even receive perks, such as a free phone or a free month of service.
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You can survive with bad credit, but it’s not always easy and definitely not cheap. Establishing a good credit score will help you save money and make your financial life much easier. If you’re looking for reasons to maintain your good credit, here are some great benefits to having a good credit score.
Low Interest Rates on Credit Cards and Loans
The interest rate is one of the costs you pay for borrowing money and, often, the interest rate you get is directly tied to your credit score. If you have a good credit score, you’ll almost always qualify for the best interest rates, and you’ll pay lower finance charges on credit card balances and loans. The less money you pay in interest, the faster you'll pay off the debt and the more money you have for other expenses.
Better Chance for Credit Card and Loan Approval
Borrowers with a poor credit history typically avoid applying for a new credit card or loan because they've been turned down previously. Having an excellent credit score doesn’t guarantee approval, because lenders still consider other factors such as your income and debt. However, a good credit score increases your chances of being approved for new credit. In other words, you can apply for a loan or credit card with confidence.
More Negotiating Power
A good credit score gives you leverage to negotiate a lower interest rate on a credit card or a new loan. If you need more bargaining power, you can take advantage of other attractive offers that you’ve received from other companies based on your credit score. However, if you have a low credit score, creditors are unlikely to budge on loan terms, and you won't have other credit offers or options.
Get Approved for Higher Limits
Your borrowing capacity is based on your income and your credit score. One of the benefits of having a good credit score is that banks are willing to let you borrow more money because you’ve demonstrated that you pay back what you borrow on time. You may still get approved for some loans with a bad credit score, but the amount will be more limited.
Easier Approval for Rental Houses and Apartments
More landlords are using credit scores as part of their tenant screening process. A bad credit score, especially if it’s caused by a previous eviction or outstanding rental balance, can severely damage your chances of getting into an apartment. A good credit score saves you the time and hassle of finding a landlord that will approve renters with damaged credit.
Better Car Insurance Rates
Add auto insurers to the list of companies that will use a bad credit score against you. Insurance companies use information from your credit report and insurance history to develop your insurance risk score, so they often penalize people who have low credit scores with higher insurance premiums. With a good credit score, you’ll typically pay less for insurance than similar applicants with lower credit scores.1
Get a Cell Phone on Contract With No Security Deposit
Another drawback of having a bad credit score is that cell phone service providers may not give you a contract. Instead, you’ll have to choose one of those pay-as-you-go plans that have more expensive phones. At the least, you might have to pay extra on your contract until you've established yourself with the provider. People with good credit avoid paying a security deposit and may receive a discounted purchase price on the latest phones by signing a contract.2
Avoid Security Deposits on Utilities
These deposits are sometimes $100 to $200 and a huge inconvenience when you’re relocating. You may not be planning to move soon, but a natural disaster or an unforeseen circumstance could change your plans. A good credit score means you won’t have to pay a security deposit when you establish utility service in your name or transfer service to another location.
