Does opening a savings account affect your credit score? The short answer to the question is No! Monitoring and improving your credit score is very important, so it is a really valid concern to question whether upon opening a savings account will get to affect your credit score. Opening a savings account will not harm nor will it help your credit score.
Does Opening a Savings Account Affect Credit Score
Once again, no, opening a savings account does not directly affect your credit score. Credit scores are primarily based on your credit history, which includes factors such as payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit accounts, and recent credit inquiries. A savings account is not a form of credit, so it doesn’t contribute to your credit history or impact your credit score.
However, it’s worth noting that some financial institutions might perform a credit check when you apply to open a savings account, particularly if it’s a high-yield savings account or involves an overdraft feature. This credit check is known as a “hard inquiry” and can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. However, the impact is typically minimal and short-lived.
It’s important to distinguish between credit accounts (such as credit cards and loans) and deposit accounts (such as savings accounts and checking accounts). While credit accounts have a direct influence on your credit score, deposit accounts do not.
Opening a savings account similarly will not be affected by your credit history, but there are however some connections. When you apply to open a savings account, many financial institutions will run a soft credit check on you. And this is the reason why many people think that their credit score is being affected or considered in the first place. But you should however note that the purpose of this credit check is to verify your identity.
What Is a Soft Credit Check
A soft credit check, also known as a soft inquiry or soft pull, is a type of credit inquiry that does not impact your credit score. It’s a review of your credit report that is typically done for informational purposes or as part of a pre-qualification process. Soft credit checks are often conducted by lenders, employers, landlords, or even by individuals checking their own credit.
Here are some key characteristics of soft credit checks:
No Impact on Credit Score
When a soft credit check is performed, it doesn’t leave a mark on your credit report, and therefore, it does not affect your credit score in any way.
Limited Information
Soft inquiries provide a limited view of your credit report. They typically show basic information such as your credit accounts, payment history, and any public records or collections. However, they do not show detailed account numbers or other sensitive information.
Examples of Soft Inquiries
Checking your own credit report, pre-qualified credit card offers, background checks by potential employers, and reviews by lenders for pre-approval are common examples of soft credit checks.
It’s key to note that while soft credit checks have no impact on your credit score, hard credit checks (also known as hard inquiries) do. Hard inquiries occur when you apply for credit, such as a credit card, loan, or mortgage. These inquiries can have a temporary negative impact on your credit score, typically by a few points.
How Savings Can Indirectly Impact Your Credit Score
While opening a savings account itself does not directly impact your credit score, there are a few indirect ways in which your savings can affect your credit score and they are;
Emergency Funds and Financial Stability
Having savings can help you maintain financial stability and better manage unexpected expenses or emergencies. This can indirectly impact your credit score by reducing the likelihood of missed payments or relying heavily on credit cards or loans to cover unforeseen costs.
Debt Management
If you have existing debts, such as credit card balances or loans, having savings can enable you to make timely payments and reduce your overall debt burden. Consistently making on-time payments and reducing your debt-to-credit ratio can positively impact your credit score over time.
Qualifying For Loans and Credit
When applying for certain types of loans or credit, lenders may consider your savings as part of their assessment. While savings alone may not be a decisive factor, having a healthy savings account can demonstrate financial responsibility and improve your chances of being approved for credit with favorable terms.
Building a Positive Financial History
Although savings accounts are not reported to credit bureaus, they can indirectly contribute to a positive financial history. Responsible savings habits can indicate discipline, reliability, and the ability to manage finances effectively. Over time, this can strengthen your overall creditworthiness and indirectly influence your credit score.
It’s very important to note that while savings can indirectly impact your credit score, the primary factors that directly affect your credit score are related to your credit usage and payment history. Maintaining a good credit score involves responsible use of credit accounts, making payments on time, and managing your debts effectively.
MORE RELATED POSTS