Definition

A record of how you’ve managed credit over time, including loans and credit cards. It’s used by lenders to assess your creditworthiness.

What to consider

  • Review your history periodically to spot any mistakes.
  • Build a positive history by paying bills on time.
  • Your credit history influences future financial opportunities.

Real world scenarios

  • Pamela’s decade-long history of on-time payments and controlled credit usage impresses lenders, granting her better loan offers.
  • After recovering from missed bills in his early twenties, Brandon systematically rebuilds his credit history by opening a secured card and paying on time.
  • Sophia checks her credit history each year, ensuring any mistakes or fraudulent accounts are swiftly corrected to maintain a clean record.

Related terms

Credit & Creditworthiness