Credit score: How to diversify your credit mix strategically? Find out

Your credit score needs to be enhanced in order to secure loans and credit cards at fair rates of interest. One of the most effective means of diversifying your credit mix and how exactly it can serve to enhance your creditworthiness will be illustrated below in this write-up.

Knowing credit mix

Credit mix refers to what type of credit accounts you carry, i.e., secured credit accounts (car or house loans) and unsecured credit accounts (credit cards). Credit mix balance refers to what lenders believe is an optimal customer, and it can greatly influence your credit score. It is believed that a diversified balance indicates that you are able to handle multiple debts responsibly.

Why does diversification matter?

A diversified credit mix is one of the advantages that not only increases your score but also establishes an even credit history and credit health. The diversification notifies lenders that you are capable of managing diversified financial obligations and, therefore, are less risky. It is an advantage because individuals with a diversified credit mix generally get better interest rates and terms on a loan.

Strategic diversification tips

• Check your current mix: Look at your current accounts and see the shortcomings. For example: If you're too extended in unsecured loans, then adding on a secured loan will even out your mix.
• Open accounts carefully: When you open new accounts, choose the ones which you truly need and can afford easily. Having multiple accounts at one time may be indicative of money troubles, dependence on debt and hurt your score.
• Keep low credit utilisation: Try to keep your credit utilisation ratio at or lower than 30%. That is, if your credit limit is ₹100,000, don't have an outstanding amount exceeding ₹30,000 at any time. This will show the lenders that you are not overly dependent on credit.
• Pay bills on time: Pay all bills in time. Delay in payment can damage your score badly, so auto-debits for your regular bills can come in handy.
• Check your credit report: Review your credit report for mistakes or misinformation that are diminishing your score. Address any of these directly in an attempt to have a legitimate credit history.

These simple habits enable someone to truly diversify their credit portfolio and advance their financial status. Hence, as the Indian economy keeps transforming, one has to stay updated on how to handle credit and ensure a diversified credit mix to remain successful.