Wanda Holmes

(NC)-Your credit score is a three-digit number ranging from 300-900 that tells future lenders how risky it is to lend you money based on your history of making debt payments.
 

There are many misconceptions about what it takes to keep your score high. We asked Henrietta Ross, the CEO of the Canadian Association of Credit (CACCS) to help us sort fact from fiction:
 

Myth 1: You must use major credit cards to build a good score.
 

Truth: If you're unable to obtain a major credit card, there are other ways to build your credit history. Making regular payments on installment loans such as a car lease can positively affect your score, as do department-store cards and secure credit cards, which require a cash deposit in the amount of the credit limit.
 

Myth 2: You can't make up for mistakes such as late payments.
 

Truth: It takes time, but your credit will become positive as you build consistency with timely payments, Ross says. How much time it will take depends on a number of factors, including how long the 'late payment' has been on your record and how long you've had the debt.
 

Myth 3: Paying cash boosts your score.
 

Truth: You need to use credit in order to demonstrate your ability to make payments. Using credit at least once every 30 days and making payments on time will keep you in good standing, says Ross.
 

Myth 4: I will not qualify for a mortgage if I've had a poor credit score.
 

Truth: Lenders look at your entire financial picture, including your assets, available cash flow, and debt-to-income ratio. They'll also review your housing expense-to-income ratio, which is a comparison of your expected monthly mortgage payment with your gross monthly income. For more information on buying a home please visit, www.genworth.ca