Credit mix refers to the variety of credit accounts you have in your credit history. It’s an important factor that credit scoring models take into account when calculating your credit score. Your credit mix reflects how you’ve borrowed money and handled your debts in different ways. It usually includes the following types of credit:
1. Revolving Credit – This type of credit allows you to borrow up to a specific limit and make regular payments based on the outstanding balance. Credit cards and lines of credit are common examples of revolving credit.
2. Installment Credit – Installment credit involves borrowing a fixed amount and repaying it in regular installments over a set period. Auto loans, mortgages and personal loans are examples of installment credit.
The significance of having a good mix of credits in your overall credit score lies in its impact on your overall financial reputation. Credit scoring models like FICO and VantageScore consider your credit mix as an indicator of how well you handle different types of credits responsibly. Here’s why it matters:
1. Diversification – A healthy mix demonstrates that you can effectively manage different types of credits. Lenders prefer borrowers who have a well rounded credit history, showcasing responsible borrowing and repayment behavior across various types of credits.
2. Having a variety of credit types can have a positive effect on your credit score. It demonstrates that you have experience managing different types of debts and can be trusted with additional credit.
3. Being cautious in how you use credit is also important. A good mix of credit suggests that you are responsible when it comes to borrowing and not relying solely on high interest credit cards or one specific type of credit.
However, it’s worth noting that while having a diverse credit mix is important, your payment history and how much of your available credit you use are more crucial factors in determining your credit score. So even if you have limited types of credit but maintain a strong payment history and keep your credit utilization low, your overall score can still be good.
Remember, though, that while the mix of credits matters, it only makes up a small part of how your overall score is calculated. Your payment history and credit utilization play much larger roles in determining your overall financial trustworthiness. Nonetheless, having different types of credits and using them responsibly can help build a solid foundation for a strong credit profile over time.