Maintaining an average credit score makes you eligible for loans from lenders. It is important to have fair scores to get the best interest rates. It also helps you accept credit and loan requests without concern or roadblocks. Your average score depends on factors like age, location, and income.
Not having the required average credit score can also become an issue. This lowers your credit limit. In other words, mortgage and credit card companies may reject your loan application. Therefore, the best way to get the best rates and keep your scores low is to pay the debentures on time.
Average Credit Score by State
Credit rates differ from state to state, as seen in the table below.
| State | Average Credit Rates |
| Alabama | $709 |
| Arkansas | $683 |
| Arizona | $689 |
| California | $710 |
| Colorado | $721 |
| Connecticut | $728 |
| Florida | $722 |
| Georgia | $711 |
| Iowa | $708 |
| Idaho | $701 |
| Indiana | $705 |
| Kansas | $713 |
| Kentucky | $693 |
| Louisiana | $681 |
| Massachusetts | $732 |
| Maryland | $710 |
| Maine | $720 |
| Michigan | $717 |
| Minnesota | $736 |
| Missouri | $704 |
| Mississippi | $674 |
| Montana | $720 |
| North Carolina | $696 |
| North Dakota | $727 |
| Nebraska | $727 |
| New Hampshire | $730 |
| New Jersey | $722 |
| New Mexico | $695 |
| Nevada | $693 |
| New York | $724 |
| Ohio | $707 |
| Oklahoma | $687 |
| Oregon | $725 |
| Pennsylvania | $720 |
| Rhode Island | $721 |
| South Dakota | $729 |
| South Carolina | $687 |
| Tennessee | $694 |
| Texas | $686 |
| Utah | $720 |
| Virginia | $712 |
| Vermont | $733 |
| Washington | $727 |
| Wisconsin | $729 |
| West Virginia | $691 |
Residents of Vermont and Massachusetts are eligible for the best rates as per the average. This is due to their improved standards of living and better levels of employment.
Credit Rates by Age
| Age | Average Credit Rate |
| 18-24 | $679 |
| 25-40 | $686 |
| 41-56 | $705 |
| 57-75 | $740 |
| 76+ | $760 |
As per the data, US residents above the age of 76 pay the highest mortgage of $760. At the same time, those in the age category of 18-24 pay the lowest amount of $679. Also, it is a misconception that the higher the age, the lower will be the credit rates. For better rates, you’ll need to produce proof of your income.
Credit Rates by Year
| Year | Average Credit Rate |
| 2010 | $699 |
| 2011 | $701 |
| 2012 | $701 |
| 2013 | $702 |
| 2014 | $706 |
| 2015 | $708 |
| 2016 | $711 |
| 2017 | $713 |
| 2018 | $717 |
| 2019 | $714 |
| 2020 | $722 |
| 2021 | $726 |
The data through the years show an increase in the credit score every year. This has mainly happened due to economic expansion and unemployment. As a result, people tend to borrow lumpsum amounts to meet their expenses.
Key Reasons for a Low Credit Rate
A low credit rate can happen due to many reasons. Here are a few of them:
Late or missing payments
Regular payments are the main reason for a good credit rate. Therefore, make your payments within 30 days of applying for the credit. Similarly, a delay of 60 days or more can increase your rates. Remember that your payments are recorded for 7 years.
Lack of information on the credit report
Sometimes, the credit report may not contain all the necessary information. Also, there are times when it comes with inaccurate or wrong information. This is mostly considered identity fraudulence. Hence, you must see to it that your credit report contains current and valid information.
Being a recent applicant for a loan or credit card
Another main reason for a low credit rate is the user’s new loan or credit card. This is one of the parameters taken into consideration each time you make payments. Thus it is important not to go for too many credits at a time. Also, see that you keep the inquiries on your profile low.
Increased credit usage
Credit limits are mostly set by credit card companies. Hence, if you require more credit, you can request a hike in credit. However, if your rates are already low, it may take more time to come up.
Insufficient information
In many cases, the applicant gives scarce information while applying for the credit. Mostly, there is also a lack of proper and updated information. In such cases, the information goes into dispute.
Undergoing bankruptcy or foreclosure
Sometimes, a situation may arrive where you might be unable to pay back the credits or go bankrupt. This is when a foreclosure happens. Understanding your inability to repay the loans, the lender takes over your property during such a situation.
Ways to Easily Improve Your Credit Rates
Facing an issue with poor credit rates? Here are some easy ways to resolve them:
Check for credit rate errors
Credit rates are prone to errors if you don’t verify them regularly. Therefore, make sure to monitor them from time to time. Also, try to figure out what has been causing the errors and find ways to resolve them.
Make on-time payments
Check your credit rates and make payments at the right time. If you feel you may forget, then set reminders for an auto-pay option to be on the safer side.
Improve your credit utilization
Credit limits are always preset by the credit card providers. Hence, you can request a hike in credit. However, if the limit is low, then it might take time to come up.
Choose the right credit-building tools
Finally, it is important to know which are the best-credit building tools and start using them. These tools also improve your utility bill rates which can be paid online.
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