subject: The Importance of a Credit File [print this page] Your credit file can determine your ability to purchase a home, get a job or even rent an apartment. The importance of your credit file is linked to so many aspects of everyday life that it is imperative that you stay on top of what is being reported. The effects that a poor credit rating can have on your financing opportunities is tremendous.You can still obtain credit even when you have a poor credit history. The interest rate will be significantly higher and your overall cost of borrowing the money may make the loan too much to handle. You can avoid this type of situation by checking your credit file at least once a month to verify that all accounts are being reported accurately.Government studies have shown that over 75% of credit reports contain errors that can negatively affect your credit file and subsequent score. Simple errors such as a misspelled name can impact your file. Misspelled names are labeled as aliases and your credit file shows that you have tried to obtain credit under different names.Inaccurate reporting of balances and payment information account for most of the errors found in your credit file. You can dispute this information and demand that it be corrected. The credit reporting agencies have 30 days to respond to your request or they have to remove the item from your credit file. By taking the time to stay on top of your credit report you can make sure that your finances stay in control. Poor scoring on your report accounts for higher interest rates on loans and credit card balances. This will, in turn, cost you more money each month. You do not have to suffer these consequences if you maintain your credit file.Another reason to continually check your credit file is to ensure that you are not subject to credit fraud. Identity theft is an escalating crime that can happen to anyone at any time. While a way to stop this type of crime has not been found so far, you can control the damage much easier if you are aware of the problem when it first begins.Financial security can only be had if you create an environment for it to flourish. You must take control of your finances by taking control of your credit file. Keeping your score higher will keep interest rates and payments low enabling you to save money each month.
