• Why Credit Matters More Than You Think 
• What Impacts Your Credit Over a Lifetime 
• Top Ways to Protect, Build, or Rebuild Your Credit 
• How Advia Can Help You Strengthen Your Credit 
• The Long-Term Benefits of Improving Your Score

March is Credit Education Month, making it the perfect time to take control of your credit, understand what influences your score, and explore the tools available to strengthen your financial foundation. At Advia Credit Union, we’re committed to helping our members build, protect, and rebuild credit with confidence every step of the way.   

Why Credit Matters More Than You Think 

Your credit score isn’t just a number; it’s a long-term financial passport. Poor credit can increase borrowing costs over a lifetime and potentially affect opportunities outside of banking.

Credit scores are used by:   

• Financial institutions to determine loan eligibility and rates 
• Landlords when reviewing rental applications 
• Insurance providers to help determine premiums 
• Utility companies assessing deposit requirements 

A lower score could cost thousands more in interest and fees, while strong credit unlocks lower borrowing costs and greater financial flexibility. 

What Impacts Your Credit Over a Lifetime   

While credit scoring models vary, the most significant factors include: 

• Payment history – Paying bills on time is the largest contributor to a healthy score. 
• Credit utilization – Using too much of your available credit can signal difficulty managing debt. Focus on utilizing 30% or less of your credit month to month. 
• Credit mix – A combination of installment loans and revolving credit can help strengthen your score. 
• Length of credit history – The longer your accounts stay in good standing, the better. 
• New credit inquiries – Too many recent credit checks (hard or soft inquiries) can temporarily lower your score. 

Top Ways to Protect, Build, or Rebuild Your Credit 

Always Make Payments on Time

Payment history makes up roughly 35% of your credit score, making timely payments is essential. Tools like Advia’s Digital Banking and Bill Pay help you automate payments, so nothing slips through the cracks. But we're all human; if you made a one-time mistake, contact your lender to see if they'll consider a goodwill adjustment. Also, by checking your credit report regularly, you're more likely to be able to find and dispute any errors that may have been reported.

Keep Balances Low

Responsible credit card use helps establish reliable credit behavior. Try to stay under 30% of your available credit across all lines. Regularly review your outstanding credit used and if you're regularly over the 30% threshold, consider increasing your available credit limit so you have some additional cushion to work within.

Maintain a Healthy Mix of Credit

Having different types of credit (credit cards, auto loans, personal loans, etc.) can demonstrate responsible borrowing. Avoid opening new lines of credit just to improve your variety; Advia's lending team can work with you to identify what a healthy mix looks like and which loan options may fit best based on your needs.

Avoid Opening Too Many Accounts Too Quickly

Though a hard inquiry may only impact your score temporarily, applying for numerous accounts within a short time frame may indicate a signal of financial stress to creditors. Be thoughtful and strategic in how often you're applying for loans.

How Advia Can Help You Strengthen Your Credit   

At Advia, we offer a suite of tools designed to build credit confidence, whether you're starting fresh, rebuilding after challenges, or aiming to reach the next tier for even better rates. 

Track and Improve Your Score for Free

Available within Digital Banking, SavvyMoney is a free online credit monitoring tool. It lets you: 

• View your full TransUnion credit profile 
• Monitor your score without harming it 
• Receive alerts about changes on your report 
• Follow personalized action plans to improve your score   

Credit Cards Designed to Build Credit Confidently   

Advia offers credit card options for members at any stage of their credit journey, including a Secured Credit Card to help establish or rebuild credit. Responsible use and on time payments help build a positive history month after month. 

Credit Builder Loan: Build Credit and Savings   

With our Credit Builder Loan, you make regular "payments" based on an agreed upon term (typically 12 to 24 months). The money goes into a savings account in your name. Your payment activity is reported positively to credit bureaus, and at the end of the term you'll have a nest egg savings along with a positive credit history reported for future borrowing needs.    Benefits include:   

• Builds credit history 
• Grows savings 
• Designed for first time borrowers or those rebuilding credit   

Debt Consolidation Loans: Save Money While Simplifying 

Consolidating higher interest debt into one Advia loan can help lower your interest costs and streamline payments. Members can save approximately $4,000 over the life of transferred loans on average!

Digital Tools That Support On-Time Payments   

Advia’s digital solutions make staying on track easier than ever:   

• Bill Pay for automated recurring payments 
• ACH transfers from Checking 
• Scheduled credit card payments within Digital Banking   

The Long-Term Benefits of Improving Your Score 

A stronger credit score can:   

• Lower interest rates on loans 
• Reduce insurance premiums 
• Increase approval odds for apartments, utilities, and services 
• Save you thousands in interest over a lifetime   

Credit Education Month is more than a theme; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong financial confidence. Every positive step will compound over time, and Credit Education Month is the perfect time to begin. Whether you’re just starting out or rebuilding for the future, Advia is here to help with tools, support, and resources that make progress possible!   

About Advia Credit Union: Our mission is to provide financial advantages to its members. With $3.87 billion in assets, Advia seeks to provide quick and easy access to money and time-saving financial tools to nearly 200,000 members in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Advia’s team of over 600 professionals delivers excellent service and innovative products at 34 locations and via digital and mobile platforms. Advia is guided by its core values: driving progress, acting with integrity, building and strengthening relationships, and keeping people at the core. Visit adviacu.org to learn more about how Advia provides Real Advantages for Real People™.