Set to get married? The new beginning may impact your credit score - here's how
At the outset, it is vital to note that marriage — in itself — does not affect credit score. The credit scores are not based on marital status; however, it can indirectly influence your credit score in a number of ways especially when you share a credit card or open a joint bank account.
For instance, Ashish Mishra tends to make his credit card bills always on time. Soon after his marriage to Nisha, he gives an add-on card to her, who unknowingly misses to clear her credit card bills. Now since the card is issued in Ashish’s name, and not in Nisha’s name, missed payments will start reflecting badly in his credit score.
Joint accounts: If you decide to open a joint account with your spouse or co-sign a loan, these accounts will appear on credit reports of both the account holders.
Your credit scores may get impacted by the activity on these joint accounts. For instance, late payments or high balances on joint accounts can affect both spouses' credit scores adversely.
Authorised user status: Adding the name of your spouse as a user on your credit card can impact both the credit scores of both users.
The credit activity linked with the account, including payment history and credit utilization, can also affect the credit scores of both the primary account holder and the authorized user.
ALSO READ: Credit card latest rules: You can now decide the billing cycle of your card. Details here
Spouse’s credit history: Marriage may also indirectly affect your credit score in case your spouse’s credit history is quite different from yours. For instance, if your spouse has a higher credit score and you become joint account holders on their accounts, it could positively impact your credit score.
On the other hand, if your spouse
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