FDIC-Insured—Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government

Please Confirm

We are providing a link to this third party website for your convenience. Heartland Bank is not responsible for the overall content of any website or the collection or use of information gathered on a third party website. Heartland Bank's privacy policy does not apply to any other website, and we are not responsible for its security, privacy policies and practices, or any consequences that may result from visiting that website. We advise you to consult the privacy policies contained on third party linked websites. Heartland Bank assumes no responsibility nor does it control, endorse or guarantee any aspect of your use of the linked site.

Credit History Is More Important Than Credit Score

July 8, 2024

When applying for most loans, lenders will be sure to focus on your credit score – a three-digit number that plays an important role in qualifying for loans, credit cards, apartment rentals and more. However, your focus should be placed on something else instead: your credit payment history.

a close-up of a credit history report

Your credit payment history is the most important factor affecting your credit score and unlike your credit score, it’s something you can review and manage on your own. Here are four important steps that you should complete:

Step 1: Order a Credit Report

Getting a copy of your credit report is the best way to view your credit payment history.

The best way to do that is by visiting the government-authorized website annualcreditreport.com. You can go there to order a free credit report from any of the
three big credit-reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Step 2: Review Your History

Once you get a copy of your credit report, be sure to review your credit payment history for the following:

  • Inaccurate personal information
  • Unrecognized credit, loan and household-bill accounts
  • Incorrect payment history entries
  • Any inaccurate account status (such as a closed account marked as open)
  • Incorrect credit limits and balances
  • Any other errors
  • Any unresolved debts (overdue balances that remain unpaid and may even be flagged for collection)

Your findings will tell you what kind of action you may need to take.

If you determine your history is accurate and positive, you can take comfort in knowing your credit score will reflect that. No action is necessary. You can skip Step 3 below and move on to Step 4.

However, if you see any blemishes, such as inaccurate entries or unresolved debts, those could have a negative impact on your credit score. Move on to Step 3 below.

Step 3: Repair Your History

You’ll want to address any credit information that is inaccurate or unresolved.

  • If your credit report lists any incorrect items, be proactive. Contact the credit reporting company that supplied your report and request to have those items corrected. You also will need to contact each business that supplied wrong information to request a correction. For more detailed instructions about how to dispute errors, visit this Federal Trade Commission webpage: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/disputing-errors-your-credit-reports.
  • If your credit report lists an unresolved item, then take action to remedy the situation. For example, if your report lists an open collection action, contact the creditor. Ask if you can negotiate for either new payment terms or a total payment that is less than what you actually owe. Then follow through with the new plan and pay down that debt as quickly as possible. This will help clean up your credit history so that you can reapply with confidence.

Step 4: Keep Checking Your Credit History

Continue to order free copies of your credit report. Then compare each new report with your previous reports. You’ll want to make sure the reported information is accurate. That’s because it’s always easier to correct inaccuracies sooner rather than later.

Do You Want to Get on the Road to Owning a Car or Home?

Building a more perfect credit history is key to making that happen. However, at Heartland Bank, we understand that financial situations can be unique from one to another and that’s why we offer our Money Matters Small Dollar Loan Program, to assist you in building or repairing your personal credit.

Interested? Sign up for a class – offered year-round, both online and in person!

This article may reference and link to third party information that has been verified to the best of our abilities. There is no guarantee of accuracy. Heartland Bank does not endorse companies, services, or products referenced in its articles and is not responsible for the content, links, privacy, or security policies of these third parties. Information in the above article may include material from the AnnualCreditReport.com (https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action), the Federal Trade Commission website (https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/disputing-errors-your-credit-reports) and the Heartland Ban and Trust Company website (https://www.hbtbank.com/).

This content is for informational purposes only. Readers should under no circumstances rely upon this information as a substitute for their own research or for obtaining specific advice from their own counsel.

← Back

Topics

Whenever You Need Support, We're Just One Click Away

Call Us
Visit Us