The Side Effects of Bad Credit

High interest rates on credit cards and loans

Credit scores indicate the likelihood that you will default on a credit card or loan obligation. Having a low credit means indicates you're a riskier borrower than someone with a better credit score. Creditors and lenders make you pay for this risk by charging you a higher interest rate.

If you're approved for credit with a bad credit score, you'll pay more in interest over time than you would if you had better credit and a better interest rate. The more you borrow, the more you'll pay in interest.

Credit and loan applications may not be approved

Creditors are willing to accept a certain amount of risk. However, if your credit score is too low, they might not want to lend to you at all. With bad credit, you may find that your applications are denied.

Difficulty getting approved for an apartment

Many people don't realize landlords check credit before approving a rental application. Having bad credit can make it much more difficult to rent an apartment or house. If you find a landlord who will rent to you despite your low credit score, you may have to pay a higher security deposit.

Security deposits on utilities

Utility companies—electricity, phone, and cable—check your credit as part of the application process. If you have a bad credit history, you may have to pay a security deposit to establish service in your name, even if you’ve always paid your utility bills on time. The security deposit will be charged upfront before you can establish service in your name.

Getting denied for a cell phone contract

Most major cell phone companies check your credit when you sign up for service. They argue that they’re extending a month of service to you, so they need to know how reliable your payments will be. If your credit’s bad, you may have to get a prepaid cell phone, a month-to-month contract where phones are typically more expensive, or go without one at all.

If you're leasing or making payments on your cell phone, you may have to pay more upfront for a new phone or your payments may be higher if you have bad credit.

Getting denied for employment

Certain jobs, especially those in upper management or the finance industry, require you to have a good credit history. You can actually be turned down for a job because of negative items on your credit report, especially high debt amounts, bankruptcy, or outstanding bills.

Note that employers check your credit report and not your credit score. They're not necessarily checking for bad credit, but for items that could affect your job performance.

Higher insurance premiums

Insurance companies often help determine risk by looking at your credit. They use credit-based insurance scores to help determine the rate you'll pay. Typically, the better your credit, the lower your rate will be—and the worse your credit, the higher your rate will be. However, your premium rate isn't based solely on your credit score. Many other factors come into play as well.

Calls from debt collectors

Bad credit itself doesn't lead to debt collection calls. However, chances are that if you have bad credit you also have some past due bills that debt collectors are pursuing.

Difficulty starting your own business

Many new businesses need banks loans to help fund their startup. A bad credit history can limit the amount you’re able to borrow to start a new business, even if you have a solid business plan and data supporting your business success.

Difficulty purchasing a car

Banks check your credit before giving you a car loan. With bad credit, you might get denied a car loan altogether. Or, if you're approved, you'll likely have a high interest rate, which leads to a higher monthly payment.