On The Credit Line, a radio show hosted by Credit.com’s chairman and co-founder Adam Levin, Gloria from Woodland Hills, Calif., asked if only making inexpensive purchases on her credit card would negatively affect her credit score.
The price of the items or services you charge to your card does not affect your credit score. The factors looked at when your score is being calculated are the amount of available credit you have, your payment history, your attempts to acquire new credit and whether you have different types of credit (credit cards, mortgage, student loans, auto loans, etc.), and length of credit history. The credit scoring process can be mysterious or even seem unfair, but rest assured, the frequency and cost of the purchases you put on your card won’t have a negative affect your credit score. However, your best bet is to keep a low balance on your cards and, ideally, pay the balance off every month if you can.
If you have questions, tune in live to The Credit Line on Los Angeles’ KFWB 980 AM every at 9 a.m. PST/Noon EST and call in at 888-539-2980, or email the show any time at credit980@gmail.com. Listen to the past week’s Credit Line for more debt and credit advice.
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Tim Langevin Credit.com team member and personal finance contributor, Tim studied journalism at Columbia College, Chicago and graduated with a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications. Tim shares his unique insight on finding the best bargains and tips to help consumers stay on budget and in control. Have a question for our experts? Email them at CreditExperts@Credit.com.
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It is very complicated to understand… I’m convinced by now that I will never be able to completely understand how credit cards are related to scoring credit scores.
If you really buy a small amount item it won’t definitely affect your credit score.