6 Tips to be Credit Smart

Managing your credit wisely is one of the most important steps you can take for your financial health. A strong credit profile can help you qualify for better loan rates, secure favorable terms, and give you more opportunities to reach your goals. At Sandia Area, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

1. Know Your Credit Report and Score
Review your credit report from all three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—at least once a year through AnnualCreditReport.com.
Understanding how your score is calculated (payment history, utilization, credit mix, and more) helps you make smarter financial choices.

2. Pay Bills on Time
Your payment history is the single biggest factor in your credit score. Set up reminders or use automatic payments in Sandia Area Online and Mobile Banking to make sure you never miss a due date.

3. Keep Credit Use Low
Try to use less than 30% of your available credit limit. Paying off your balances in full each month not only saves you money on interest but also keeps your credit utilization low. With a Sandia Area credit card, you can manage balances easily and set up alerts to stay on top of spending.

4. Mix It Up
A healthy mix of credit—like a mortgage, auto loan, and credit card— managed wisely can boost your score over time. If you’re ready to diversify, Sandia Area offers affordable loan options that can help build your credit while keeping your payments manageable.

5. Be Selective with New Credit
Each time you apply for credit, a hard inquiry is added to your report. Too many inquiries in a short time can bring your score down. Apply only when it makes sense for your financial situation, and take the time to compare rates and terms.

6. Monitor Your Credit Regularly
Keeping an eye on your credit report helps you catch errors or suspicious activity early. Set up free transaction alerts in your Sandia Area Mobile Banking app and use reputable credit monitoring tools. If something doesn’t look right, let us know—we’re here to help protect your accounts.

We’re Here to Help
Building credit doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By following these steps and using the tools available through Sandia Area, you can strengthen your financial foundation and set yourself up for success.

Have questions about credit or loans? Contact us today or stop by your nearest Sandia Area branch.