There are three kinds of people when it comes to credit scores. The first
group of people can tell you exactly what their credit score is because they
check it religiously. The second group of people has a vague idea of what their
credit score is, but they aren't too worried because they generally pay their
bills on time and don't exceed their credit limits. The third group of people
has no idea what their credit score is other than knowing it's probably pretty
bad, and they feel it would simply be better to not know.

Eventually, people from all three groups walk into a car dealership with the
intent of purchasing a new car, and one of the first things the dealer will do
is pull a credit report. The dealer is looking to establish what sort of
interest rate will be available to each particular person, because a credit
score basically defines if a buyer is a good financial risk or a dangerous one.

A credit score is comprised of many factors, including past and present payment
histories, credit balances in relation to available credit, and the amount of
credit available. The reason why it is important to keep a high credit score is
because it is these people who are offered the best interest rates. The 0%
financing offers which are so widely publicized by dealerships are actually only
available to a minority of buyers whose credit is immaculate. Everyone else gets
offered a higher interest rate, and, for some with poor credit, these rates can
be up into the double digits.

This is why it is so important to not only know what your credit score is, but
to keep close tabs on your financial health. A couple of missed payments can
damage your credit score considerably and may wind up adding hundreds of dollars
in finance charges to a high interest car loan. Having a high credit score will
pay off when financing a new car.

To see a list of recommended lenders for a
car finance loan, or
to get a free on
line credit report, visit ABC Loan Guide.