Are you guilty of believing some of the following myths:

I must have a high credit score because I’m never late paying my bills

Yes, it’s important to be current in paying your bills - but a good payment history only comprises 35 percent of your overall credit score. The other factors taken into consideration when determining your overall credit score are: the amount of debt you owe (30%), credit history length (15%), number of open credit accounts (10%), and available credit types (10%).

My score will go up if I consolidate my credit cards

Yes, it is easier to pay down debt when you consolidate your credit cards, but your credit score could take a hit if you consolidate to fewer accounts with balances that are closer to the maximum available credit. You are considered a lower risk if you have multiple credit accounts, maintain current, and keep balances 25% - 35% of the maximum credit balance.

I can’t have a low score because I don’t even have any credit cards

Your credit score doesn’t care about how much you’re worth— your past borrowing history is what matters most in determining your credit score. If you have a poor or non-existent borrowing history with multiple creditors - your fico score will be lower.

It’s better to close my credit card accounts as opposed to keeping them open

Remember how a good payment history makes up 35% of your overall FICO score? If you close an account that has a positive payment history, your fico score will take a hit.

These are a few of the most common credit score myths out there. Don’t believe the hype.

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