Regularly reviewing your credit report and credit score is a crucial step in protecting and improving your financial health. By following these simple tips, you can develop good credit habits that will keep you on track with your goals and help safeguard your identity.

Good Credit Habit #1: Review Your Credit Report and Credit Score

Your credit report details your credit history, including any loans or credit cards you have and how you’ve managed them. Credit reporting agencies use this information to calculate your credit score, a three-digit number that reflects your creditworthiness. You can obtain a copy of your credit reports from the three main agencies at www.annualcreditreport.com.
Our new home banking website and Natco CU – Mobile Banking app provides FREE credit score monitoring. You can refresh your score daily, see what’s impacting it, and get tips for improvement.

Good Credit Habit #2: Develop a Plan to Maintain and Improve Your Credit Score

Your credit score impacts many areas of your financial life, from loan approvals to securing housing or even a job. To boost your credit score over time, focus on making on-time payments, keeping your balances low, and avoiding opening too many new accounts at once.

A strong credit score can save you money with lower interest rates on loans or credit cards. Whether you’re looking to improve your credit for future purchases or work toward financial freedom, setting realistic goals and tracking your progress is key. Here are a few goal ideas:

• Increase your credit score by 50 points within the next six months
• Pay off your credit card debt within two years
• Use automated payment methods to build a steady history of payments

Our credit score monitoring system allows you to set personalized goals and track your progress toward better credit.

Good Credit Habit #3: Activate Credit Monitoring and Alerts

Credit monitoring is a valuable tool to track your credit report and score in real time. It offers several benefits:

• Early Fraud Detection: Receive alerts if there are suspicious activities on your credit report, such as new accounts opened in your name or unauthorized changes to your personal information.
• Protection from Identity Theft: Stay informed of any changes to your credit that may indicate fraudulent activity.
• Better Credit Management: Monitor your credit regularly to understand your credit health and make improvements, such as paying bills on time and keeping balances low.
• Peace of Mind: Know that you’ll be notified of any changes or suspicious activities, allowing you to act quickly.

By combining credit monitoring with regular reviews of your credit report and score, you gain the control needed to protect your finances and identity. Taking control of your credit today can help you achieve your financial goals and protect your future. Start building good credit habits now! Enroll in credit score monitoring on our home banking website or in your Natco CU – Mobile Banking app today!