What is Credit Score?

It is an important reference Lender (bank, financial institution, retailer etc) will look into, to evaluate whether the borrower is credit-worthiness based on his past repayment records, current financial status, future repayment ability and etc. It is designed to measure borrower’s defaulting risk by taking into consideration of various factors in his financial transaction history.

Factors affecting Credit Score

Repayment History
- Do not leave any repayment overdue, pay at least the minimum amount (5% for Malaysia). Any overdue record would affect your credit score. Make repayment, installment timely and consistently will help you score good rating.

Credit utilization
- Lender likes to see big gap in between your credit limit and the amount used. Keep your balance below 30% of your credit limit will help your credit score. Note: cancel your credit card may have negative score due to decline in credit limits.

Credit history
- Your past repayment behaviour for credit card, mortgage loan will have impact to your credit score. Contrary, you might not able to score well without one.

Types of credit history
- Types of credit facility you have in credit card (revolving), retails, mortgage, etc.

Recently obtained credit amount/facility
- Applying for multiple credit cards, personal loans in short period of time would have adverse impact on your credit score.

Evidence of stability
- Moving house will adversely affect your credit score, make sure to proceed with Credit applications before moving house. House owner scores better than renter. Being employed or working for someone rather than self-employed, and the longer staying with one employer scores better.

Personal Loan, Credit card outstanding
 - personal loan and credit credit card outstanding adversely affect your credit score. It reflects not only your commitment but also your affordability to repay