Does a Criminal Record Affect Your Credit Score?

You already know that your credit score is hard to keep high and easy to lower. Your credit score dictates a lot about what you can do in life. From getting a mortgage to buying a new computer your credit score constantly comes into play. Maintaining a healthy credit score is pivotal in making life easier.

Does a criminal record affect your credit score? No, it does not show up on your credit score and it will not affect the score. However, if you are trying to apply for a mortgage with a criminal record then that is a different story as it will affect your ability to get a loan.

What is a credit score?

A credit score is basically a summary of your credit history that is looked at from a 7-year history. The credit report shows your borrowing and repayment information that is reported by the bureaus by lenders. Your credit report does not include any criminal records, With that said even something like a misdemeanor will not affect your credit score.

But having a criminal record could keep you from getting a job, renting an apartment, or even give you a hard time getting a mortgage as employers and lenders can and will run background checks.

What is not on your credit score?

Like stated above your credit report does not contain:

• Your criminal record
• Your income
• Any savings account information
• Medical history
• Political affiliation
• Personal background information
• Religious preference
• race
• Sexual orientation

What are the three major credit bureaus?

Within the United States, there are three national credit bureaus they are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These three bureaus capture and store credit history for most U.S. consumers.

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How being in prison can affect your credit score

As we learne above a criminal record will not affect your credit score directly, however, being in prison can. If you spend time in prison and you have no way to pay your bills because prison will not exempt you from making payments your credit score will decrease.

It would be wise to have the means to make the payments while you’re in prison or have someone take care of this for you if possible. If the bills do not get paid your credit score will drop.

Another example would be if you had a car accident and you killed someone the family of the person you killed could sue in return hurt your credit score because of t his.

Related Questions

Can a DUI affect your credit score?

A DUI conviction can disrupt many things in your life, however, having it affect your credit score is minimal. Your DUI charge will have nothing to do with your credit score, but it will show up on a background check. Here is how it could affect your credit score. Don’t pay fines that are attached to the charge and your credit score can be affected. Lose your job because you lost your license and you’re not able to pay the bills, then your credit score will be affected.