Article by Tom Blandford - 22nd February 2018

Proof That Credit Scores Make You Attractive, Apparently

In case you were looking for another good reason to check your credit file, we’ve got some good news for hopeless romantics: a recent survey by Discover and Match Media Group (owner of online dating sites including Match.com, Tinder and OkCupid) found that a good Credit Score is considered even more attractive to potential suitors than having a nice car.

58% of online daters said that they would prefer a partner with a good Credit Score to a partner with a nice car, 50% said it is more impressive than a good job title, and 40% even preferred a good Credit Score to a well-sculpted body.

What makes a good credit score so appealing?

As with credit applications, your score itself isn’t what’s important, it’s what it represents that matters. A good Credit Score is a reflection of positive borrowing habits and can be a greater indication of financial stability than expensive possessions, which are often flaunted on social media and dating sites.

This isn’t to say that money isn’t an important factor on its own, but proven creditworthiness can often say a lot more about a person than the flashy car in their cover photo – especially when it comes to picking someone you might want to spend the rest of your life with. . As Credit Scores are based on 6 years’ worth of payment history, a spotless record over this length of time is apparently impressive to both prospective lenders and potential partners.

Female respondents were particularly interested in the financial habits of prospective partners, with 77% saying that it is a very important quality, compared to 61% of men.

Aren’t finances taboo?

Most people shy away from talking about personal finances on a first date, with only 7% broaching the subject of money and their credit history. Much like religion and politics, finances are fairly high up on the list of taboo subjects to discuss on a date, but if the statistics in this study are anything to go by it might actually help your chances.

So while it may still be ill-advised to start a conversation about the nuances of credit files when trying to impress, financial stability can definitely be considered an important component of a lasting relationship.

How to use your credit score to help your love life

We don’t claim to be experts on romance, but as we've been doing what we do longer than anyone else in the UK, we definitely know a thing or two about credit files, so here are some light-hearted pointers that could help you broach the subject of your credit history over dinner.

  • Do: Ask them if they’re on the electoral roll. Not only could it present the opportunity to appear knowledgeable about the importance of being listed, but it’s also an easy route to a healthy discussion about politics - if you’re feeling particularly brave.
  • Don’t: Ask them what their mother’s maiden name is. They may think you are trying to access their sensitive data, which is traditionally saved for the third date.
  • Do: Pay for food and drinks on your date with your credit card and pay off the card bill on time. This can help improve your credit history, so if this date doesn’t go well, your next date will find you irresistible.
  • Do: Check out how their postcode is rated on checkmyfile before you get invited over – forewarned is forearmed.
  • Do: Dazzle them with your knowledge of the Consumer Credit Act of 1974. It’s important, but perhaps a little ‘dry’ for a date.
  • Do: Make sure that your own Credit Report doesn’t contain any ex-partners that you might have been financially associated with. It won’t go down well should you ever get as far as applying for finance together.

Before you can impress on your date though, you’ll need to actually check your Credit Report so that you know where you stand. Get it into shape and you’ll be impressing both lenders and potential spouses in no time.

If you haven’t already, you can check your credit score on checkmyfile.com. It’s free to try for 30 days and then costs just £14.99 per month, which you can cancel at any time.

The UK's First Provider Of Online Credit Reports

Launched 25 Years, 35 Million Credit Scores & 8 Million Credit Reports Ago

The UK's First Provider Of Online Credit Reports

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