What Effect Does A Loan Have On Your Credit Score

By Mav OT •  Updated: 02/28/24 •  5 min read

Have you ever thought about how complicated it is that your credit score affects the loans you can get? This subject often leads to misunderstanding and the spread of false information. Let us find out more. 

Your credit score is like a record of your finances; it is a number that shows how creditworthy you are. Lenders look at this crucial factor when deciding if you can responsibly handle your debt. What happens to your credit score when you get a loan?

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Many things can change how a loan affects your credit score. Lenders usually do a full check of your credit report when you apply for a loan. This request may lower your credit score for a short time because it gives a quick look at your current financial situation. But the effect is usually small and short-lived.

We will talk more about how loans affect credit scores as we go along. 

What effect does a loan have on your credit score?

Loans are important ways to get money that can help you pay for things like buying a house or car, starting a business, or paying for unexpected medical bills. In other words, how do loans change your credit score?

Your credit score is a very important factor in figuring out if you can get loans and other credit goods. The types of loans and credit cards you can get and the interest rates you will be charged depend on your credit score. You might not be able to get a job, rent an apartment, or pay less for insurance if your credit score is low.

It is very important to have a good credit score. There are credit repair pros ready to help you right away if your credit is not good or if you do not have enough. 

Getting a loan can have different effects on your credit score, depending on how you handle it. It could be good or bad. Here is a complete list of these effects:

Does my credit score go down when I get a loan?

Truthfully, it is not the loan that causes a dip in your credit score but rather something that most people find frustrating. 

When you apply for a loan, your lenders do a quick background check on your credit history. This is to determine your financial discipline and the possibility of repaying the loan. 

It is normally considered an inquiry, which could be soft or hard. 

When a hard inquiry is done on your credit before a loan approval, it does not go well, your credit loses some point. 

However, getting a loan does not let your credit score go down. 

How long does a personal loan stay on your credit report?

A personal loan is one of the easiest loans to help you build your credit score. When you apply for a personal loan and receive the approval with all the terms, the loan gets to be part of your credit history and credit report. 

It can take a year to a decade for a personal loan to stay on your credit report. Even if you finish paying your personal loans, it may take a decade or more to leave your credit report.

Why is my credit score going down if I pay everything on time?

Even if you make timely payments, your credit score could go down for several reasons. One thing to think about is your credit utilization, which is the ratio of your credit card balances to credit lines. If your accounts go up, even if you make payments on time, it can hurt your credit score. Also, applying for new loans or credit often can cause hard questions, which can temporarily lower your score.

Lastly, if the credit bureaus change the scoring model or formulas they use, it could affect your score. To help with these issues, you should keep an eye on your credit report, pay off your credit card bills quickly, avoid opening too many new accounts, and dispute any mistakes you find.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

How Long Does A Credit Check Take in South Africa

How Long Does A Credit Check Take in South Africa

Let us find out more about how long it takes to check credit for a car, job, mortgage, phone etc. 

How to Get a Free Credit Score Report

How to Get a Free Credit Score Report

Today we will walk you through everything to know about getting your free credit score report, and what your options are. 

How Is Your Credit Score Created

How Is Your Credit Score Created

To ascertain the information, you will be informed about how you can determine your credit score

How Is Credit Score Calculated In South Africa

How Is Credit Score Calculated In South Africa

How Is Credit Score Calculated In South Africa. With these clues, you should be able to understand how the credit score is calculated. 

How to Have a Spotless Credit Score (South Africa)

How to Have a Spotless Credit Score (South Africa)

You can still have a fantastic credit score that practically guarantees lenders will want to throw money at you without reaching the highest possible score.

How To Raise Credit Score In South Africa

How To Raise Credit Score In South Africa

In this writing, we'll go over how to boost your credit score in South Africa and why it's a pivotal step.

How to Repair Your Credit Score Yourself

How to Repair Your Credit Score Yourself

Fortunately, you can fix your credit score to enjoy more benefits, but this process usually takes time. Here are the steps you can take to repair your credit score.     

How to Check Credit Card Absa With ID Card

How to Check Credit Card Absa With ID Card

This is why we are here to share with you a simplified way of checking your Absa credit card with an ID card

How Fast Can Credit Score Improve

How Fast Can Credit Score Improve

Our focus is to enlighten, educate and inform our readers about positivity. And this includes ways to improve your credit score; it is all about making your credit score look good.

How to Check Credit Scores For International Students

How to Check Credit Scores For International Students

This is why our blog will focus on the South African context, taking our audience through how to check credit scores for international students. 

How to Get Your FICO Credit Score

How to Get Your FICO Credit Score

Today we will unveil everything you need to know about FICO, and how to make it work for you.

Can A Medical Account Affect Your Credit Score in South Africa?

Can A Medical Account Affect Your Credit Score in South Africa?

It is important to understand that having a positive credit profile has a significant impact on various aspects of life in South Africa.

How to Download Your Credit Score Via Checkers

How to Download Your Credit Score Via Checkers

This initiative hopes to empower South Africans to better understand and use their credit report as a tool for growth. Curious to know more? Let’s take a deeper look.

How To Fix A Bad Credit Score In South Africa

How To Fix A Bad Credit Score In South Africa

We are here today to guide you through it all. So pour yourself a refreshing drink, relax, and let’s fix that credit score together.

What Is the National Average Credit Score

What Is the National Average Credit Score