Are you in the process of requesting a business credit line? Or are you looking to rent an apartment? Whether your attempts are personal or commercial in character, credit applications or credit-related services necessitate a credit reference.
What exactly is a credit reference? We’ll explain exactly what it is, and provide some further helpful hints and examples of the credit reference letter. After reading this article, you should have a basic knowledge of what a credit reference is and how to obtain your own credit reference.
What Is a Credit Reference?
Credit references can be a credit report, a written letter from a prior lender, or a personal/business acquaintance. Lenders consider credit reference letters as well as credit reports when making lending choices for people and corporations.
A credit reference is often used to determine the creditworthiness of a person or an individual. As a result, credit agencies are most commonly employed, while individual reference letters are occasionally required. Except for providing a credit reference note, the credit rating business has no obligation or relationship with the loan. The letter of reference solely helps to provide samples of the individual’s or company’s past history.
Credit reports are the most reliable source of credit reference. Credit reports include precise line items on the borrower’s credit history, the number of credit accounts opened, the number of accounts demanded, and any defaults or delinquencies. Also, credit reports will include detailed information about other credit products, bankruptcy, or tax debt.
How Does Credit Reference Work?
When applying for a loan or utility service, the credit reference process usually begins. There are hazards associated with the requested service. As a result, lenders request documentation to determine whether or not the application is trustworthy. They are also known as a suggestion or a testimonial.
Lenders frequently utilize the required information to determine whether or not to approve the application. Lenders provide a list of the documents that they demand. In most circumstances, the lender is given the following information:
- The borrower’s name
- Numbers of accounts
- How long has the borrower been a customer?
- If the borrower failed to make any payments in the previous year,
- What goods are traded? (products or services)
Lenders may request additional information to help establish an applicant’s trustworthiness. Lenders may also inquire about the payment amount and the total amount paid to the institution.
Credit references are not always favorable information. References, on the other hand, inform the company if the applicant does not keep up with payments or is currently behind.
When Do You Need Credit Reference?
When a person applies to borrow money from a lender or to use a service, credit references are required. A credit reference may be required in a variety of circumstances. Some of the most prevalent scenarios are as follows:
#1. Requests for loans
Lenders nearly always require a credit reference when an individual or corporation asks for a loan. These references inform a lender whether or not the applicant will repay the money borrowed from the lender.
#2. Rental applications
With rental applications, landlords frequently want credit references. The information provided on the credit history enables property owners to judge whether or not rental applicants will make on-time payments.
#3. Utilities and other related services
Credit references are also frequently sought when applying for utility services such as electricity, gas, cable, or phone. Companies that offer these services may demand a credit reference before activating accounts to establish whether you have a history of making timely and suitable payments for similar services.
Types of Credit References
If you’ve used credit responsibly for even a few years, your credit report is likely to include some positive credit references. Even if you don’t, there are various types of references you can use when applying for credit.
#1. Credit Report
It is critical that everything in your report is correct. You are entitled to a free annual credit report from each of the three major credit agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, once every 12 months. Utilize the freebies and go over your reports. If you have negative items, double-check all details, especially the dates.
A lender will look at your credit history, any negative things on your report, and the amount of debt you have. Lenders also consider a variety of additional factors, including the number of credit queries you have. Too many queries indicate that you may be in financial danger.
To determine your creditworthiness, your potential lender will review your entire credit report. Remember that if you apply for credit, the lender will also look at your credit score. A potential employer may look at your credit report but not your credit score if you apply for a job.
#2. Character Reference Letter
If you are new to the United States or have no credit for your name, a character reference letter may be useful. For example, if you’ve recently held a job and done good work, request that your employer testifies to your honesty and character. It’s not ideal to be forced to rely on your work ethic, but it does demonstrate that you’re conscientious and have held a steady job.
If you want to use character references, consider who you should ask. Don’t overlook old bosses or lecturers who appreciated you. It can be difficult to approach someone for a reference but don’t be afraid. Perhaps that person once required credit references as well.
This type of reference does not have the same weight as your credit report. However, it can still be a beneficial addition to an application, particularly for someone looking to lease an apartment or purchase a car.
#3. Asset Documentation
Your prospective landlord or lender will seek confirmation that you have good financial standing. Prepare to share copies of your income tax returns, pay stubs, and possibly a letter from your employer confirming that you are employed and in a stable condition.
If you have investments, this is an opportunity to demonstrate that you manage your money wisely. Request that your banking institution furnishes you with the required paperwork. Obviously, if you have a good credit history, you won’t need to collect as much information.
#4. Credit Reference Letter
A credit reference letter can be useful when you have restricted credit or are attempting to repair your credit. What information should be included in the credit reference letter? It never hurts to ask a lender what they’re searching for in your individual scenario. When you ask someone to write the letter, provide enough information so that the writer can handle any concerns that may arise.
If you’ve always paid your bills on time, such as your apartment rent, request a letter from your landlord confirming that you routinely pay your rent on time. It’s worth noting that there are rent-reporting firms that will report your rent payments to the major bureaus. However, there is always a price associated, so read the fine print carefully if you choose this option.
Steps to Get a Credit Reference
Although the process may vary depending on the circumstances, acquiring a testimonial for an applicant’s credit history normally entails the following steps.
#1. Figure out what information is required.
Typically, the lender will supply a template specifying the information needed. However, if they don’t, it’s best to double-check and avoid going back and forth with them.
Any of the above-mentioned information, such as your payment history and current standing with the supplier, can be included.
#2. Ask the provider for a credit reference.
Applicants must contact past service providers in order to get a letter of good standing.
Various service providers or creditors have additional terms for a loan or service qualification They may, for example, require candidates to have worked for the preceding service provider for a specified period of time. Otherwise, the lender may demand the applicant to fulfill a specified monthly payment level.
#3. Permit the Provider to Transfer Applicant Data
Because the previous service provider discloses personal information, they require written permission to proceed.
This information is confidential, and the previous service provider does not want it published unless it is clear that authorization has been granted. Lenders may contact the references provided by the applicant in some cases to confirm the accuracy of the information.
Examples of a Credit Reference
Consider the following real-life examples to better understand credit reference.
Utility Services Provider
Freddies had been with the same electrical provider for a few years, but she just relocated. Freddies’ new energy services want a credit reference. The reference is as follows:
“Freddies has been a client of ours since 2011.” She has not missed a single payment during her tenure with us. Furthermore, all payments have been made in full, according to our records.”
Apartment
Jim has been living in the same apartment for four years and has finally accepted a new job that will require him to relocate to a different city. His new landlord has asked for a credit reference. The following is a recommendation from the former landlord:
“Jim has been a tenant in our apartments for four years. Jim has paid the rent in full every month during this time and has not missed a single payment to date.”
What Is in a Credit Reference Letter?
We understand that the lender who asks for your credit references may provide you with a list of the information that must be included in your references. But until then, you have no idea what to expect from one. The following are some of the most common types of information that could be found in a credit reference.
- The type of your relationship with the reference issuer. It could also explain your relationship with the issuer (like with a personal character reference).
- The duration or longevity of the partnership
- Your payment habits are of a particular type. Brief payment history or a statement that confirms your payment habits.
- Account numbers and other information needed to determine your credit history
- The amount of credit you demand on average from the lender.
- Your current balance owed to the issuer.
This is a simple list of criteria that you might see in a credit reference. Your lender may seek additional information, but the ones listed above are typically required.
Credit Reference Letter Examples
The information provided in these examples here will assist you in developing an understanding of the contents of a credit reference. We’ve gathered some examples of credit reference to help you view the finished product.
Example 1
(Name of the applicant) has been a customer since (date). During that time, they have made due payments on schedule. On the client’s record, there are no records of missed or late payments.
Example 2
Since (Applicant name), he has been a client of ours (date). They buy supplies on a regular basis and always pay on time. They have ordered (amount applicable) in supplies from us to date, and their account has never been suspended for any reason.
Example 3
(Applicant name) applied for a credit line with us on (date). Their entire approved credit line is (applicable amount). They currently have an outstanding balance of (applicable amount). They have paid all of the requisite amounts on schedule. Yet, they have not documented any late or missing payments.
These are just a few examples of how your credit reference can provide the necessary information. Make certain that the terminology utilized is of a professional caliber. Communication must be concise and free of ambiguity. Your references will determine the success of your application. As a result, be certain that it is of great quality.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Positive Response
It makes no difference why you require a credit reference. You want the outcome to be positive. How can you be certain about that? Here are a few things you can do to elicit a favorable response. It may even assist you in obtaining a car loan without a credit background.
#1. Obtain the Required Data
For some reason, the lender requires a specific set of facts. Understand the required criteria and ensure that they are included in the content of your credit references.
#2. Provide it in a timely manner.
Nobody enjoys having to wait. Especially when money is at stake. Inquire with your lender about when they require your credit references and provide them within the expected timeframe.
#3. Describe any discrepancies
A spotless credit report is a lucky tool to have. However, only a few people have such opportunities. If you have any problems, you can always use the credit references of your service providers to explain any problems in context. A well-crafted explanation may increase your chances of success.
#4. Be truthful.
This is not the time to be clever by stretching the truth to save face. Be truthful and open about your situation. To present the case as it is, be transparent about your credit references.
Conclusion
Credit references assist you in applying for credit. Lenders want to know the truth about your creditworthiness, and credit references can help.
You may have wondered, “What is a credit reference?” but you now know. Make use of the information provided in the examples to obtain your own credit reference. You can also use these techniques to maintain a solid record, which will assist you to boost your credit references for when you need them.
Related Articles
