Tips for Safeguarding your Credit
Check Your Credit
You can contact Equifax and request a copy of your Credit Report by calling 1-800-465-7166 or by visiting www.equifax.ca. It is your responsibility to ensure that your Credit Report is accurate. If you find an error, report it to Equifax immediately.
Stay Informed
Carefully read all credit contracts that you sign, as they are not all the same. For example, some lenders classify payment as "late" the day after it is due, while others allow a grace period of up to 30 days. The small print can make a significant difference on your Credit Report and your Beacon Score.
Set up Automatic Payments
Set up automatic payments through your bank to ensure you do not lose track. It will be one less thing on your "to do" list
Pay Down Debt
Your credit balances should not exceed 70-80% of your available limits. If you are using more than that, it is a warning sign to lenders that you are relying too heavily on your credit lines to meet your obligations. Pay down your debts and if possible pay for more items upfront. Alternatively, if you have equity in your home, you may be able to refinance your mortgage and use that money to reduce your other obligations. Make sure that your balance does not exceed the credit limit; this can cause your Beacon Score to lower.
Be Careful of your Credit Inquiries
Most people think that it's alright to shop around for the best mortgage rate or to fill out a lot of credit card applications. By doing this, your Beacon Score can be lowered due to the number of inquiries into your credit history. Be very careful who you give permission to pull your credit. Make sure it is absolutely necessary to proceed to the next step.
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