Understanding Your Credit Score in 2026: What Really Matters Now
 
Your credit score still matters in 2026, but how lenders look at it has evolved. It’s no longer just about having credit. It’s about how you manage it and we’re here to help you break it down.
 
What Impacts Your Credit Score the Most
  • Payment history: Pay on time, every time
  • Credit utilization: Aka how much of your available credit limit are you’re using up
  • Length of credit history: Older accounts help
  • New credit inquiries: Applying for new credit often and frequently can lower your score
 
What’s Getting More Attention in 2026
Many lenders are looking closely at debt-to-income ratio, meaning how much of your income goes toward debt payments. Even with a good credit score, having a high debt-to-income ratio can lead to:
  • Loan denials
  • Higher interest rates
  • Smaller approval amounts
 
Easy Ways to Improve or Maintain Your Score
  • Pay (or keep) your credit card balances down below 30% of limits where you can
  • Make more than the minimum payment whenever possible
  • Avoid opening multiple new accounts in a short period of time
  • Set up automatic payments
  • Check your credit report regularly (for free!)
Fun fact: Did you know, you can not only check your credit report for free through AnnualCreditReport.com but also through your CSE digital banking? All you have to do is opt-in to our Credit Score program!
 
To put it simply, good credit = more options. Managing your credit in a healthy manner can mean:
  • Lower interest rates
  • Easier approvals
  • More financial flexibility
  • Less stress when big moments happen
 
Your credit score is a tool. Understanding how it works in today’s lending world puts you back in control. Start making your money and your credit score work for you.
 

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