Different credit bureaus have other scoring models for credit scores, and different lenders require different credit scores too. So, there’s no tangible value for the ‘right’ credit score. Still, it would be best to maintain a score above 670 or above to qualify for unsecured personal loans.

You may be able to qualify for a personal loan if you’re self-employed, as long as you’re able to provide proof of stable income. Since income levels for self-employed people are subject to fluctuation, you could try for a business loan, secured loan, or guarantor loan to improve your chances.

If your application gets declined by a lender, the best course of action would be to:

• Check the reason behind your rejection
• Fix solvable issues immediately
• Wait for a few weeks before applying again
• Apply with a guarantor to strengthen your application

If used responsibly, unsecured personal loans can help you build and improve your credit score. Each timely repayment contributes towards the growth of your credit score. Make continual repayments within your schedule. You will be able to fulfil your credit score goals with an unsecured personal loan.

Suppose you fail to abide by the repayment schedule for your unsecured personal loan. In that case, it could gravely impact your credit score. Plus, if you consistently miss payments and default, the lender may get a CCJ issued in your name – affecting your chances of securing credit in the future. Thus, it is crucial to use credit responsibly.

Suppose you’re looking for a new personal loan with a lower interest rate or higher loan amount. In that case, you could look into a debt consolidation loan or loan refinancing. Refinancing your personal loan will enable you to explore more competitive offers in the market.

Cosigning personal loans with someone could be a huge responsibility. You must ensure that your partner exhibits responsible behaviour with credit. Having an honest conversation about your finances with one another could be a reassuring practice.