Your credit score isn’t the only thing you need to worry about when applying for a new credit card or loan. Having a good debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is also key to qualifying, and understanding it can set you on the path to getting better interest rates or loan terms.
A debt-to-income ratio is the number of debt repayments you make each month divided by your income. Lenders use your DTI as one way to make sure you’re in a position to afford to repay a new loan.
Typically, underwriters figure out your DTI themselves. But knowing your ratio before you apply can help you tell if it’s a good time to apply for a loan or credit card. If your ratio is too high, you might want to consider paying off some debt first to avoid high rates or rejected applications.
The lower, the better. More specifically, a DTI of 35% or below is generally considered good — though you might not qualify for a loan with a DTI that’s above 43%.
Why 43%? Lenders came up with this number from mortgage-risk studies that analyzed the type of borrowers who are most likely to have trouble making payments and therefore default on their loans.
Your DTI is a factor lenders consider when determining the rates and terms of your loan. In general, you’re more likely to get a good rate with a lower DTI.
Your debt-to-income ratio isn’t included on your credit report and doesn’t directly affect your credit score. However, lenders do consider it before extending credit, including mortgages and auto loans. Credit card companies also use DTI to determine your credit limits.
However, carrying rotating debt — such as a high balance on your credit cards — affects your credit utilization ratio. This is one of the most important factors in calculating your credit score.
Generally, it’s best to keep your credit utilization below 30% on all credit cards. The lower, the better.
Determining your debt-to-income ratio can help you understand your current financial health and how much debt you can comfortably take on.
To calculate your DTI:
They might. While monthly expenses are not typically factored into your monthly total debt, unpaid bills sent to a collection agency count as debt and can affect your DTI. These unpaid bills, which include utility bills and medical bills, can also lower your credit score, showing up as a line on your credit report and making it more difficult to get financing.
If your lender doesn’t want to know how much you owe or earn, it’s a sign it might be predatory.
If you come across a lender that markets itself in this way, make sure it’s legit before signing on. Read online reviews, check out its accreditations and confirm that it’s not on lists of lenders to avoid according to state consumer protection agencies and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Look at its ratings with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and take heed of any complaints.
Americans’ debt burden has been high for a while now: A recent Federal Reserve report estimates the average American household carries $137,063 in debt. You’re probably not alone if your debt-to-income ratio is above or close to the 43% cutoff.
Here are some ways you can tamp down your DTI.
Your front-end debt ratio is how much of your gross monthly income is spent on housing costs, including mortgage payments and private mortgage insurance. Your back-end debt ratio includes all other kinds of debt, including student loans, car loans and minimum credit card payments.
Higher ratios increase the likelihood of defaulting on your mortgage or other debt. Lenders usually prefer a front-end ratio of no more than 28% of your total monthly gross income and a combined ratio of no more than 43% — though some lenders cap this at 36%.
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Here’s how we rate credit building accounts, covering what we look for in credit score requirements, fees, credit reporting practices, customer service APR and account features.
Credit Strong is a division of Austin Capital Bank and offers many credit-building loans to choose from, but they can be costly.
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Experian Boost is a free credit-building tool that helps you build credit with rent payments, utility payments and streaming service subscriptions.
Build credit by paying subscriptions or with a credit-building loan — but there’s a monthly fee.
Debit cards and similar cards that can help build credit with little to no risk include: Extra, Fizz, Current, Chime, Step, Varo and more.
Cushion is an all-in-one banking app that helps you track your spending and build credit without interest charges. See if it could be right for you.
Credit repair companies help you dispute credit report errors for a fee. See if these services are right for you and how to avoid fraud.
What should I do if I have 4 high balences in credit cards. I want to improve my score.
Hi Sherri,
Thanks for your question!
One way to improve your credit score is to pay off high-interest debts to lower your debt-to-income ratio.
If you have multiple credit card debts, you can consider consolidating them with a balance transfer or a loan. That way you’re only managing a single account and likely at a lower interest rate, which could help you save and pay off your accounts faster thus improving your credit score.
As a reminder, consolidation loans and balance transfer credit cards are not for everyone so please weigh your options carefully to see whether it is right for you.
Hope this helps!
Best,
Nikki
How can I turn my title loans and payday loans in to one payment that I can afford
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for your question.
You can take advantage of a debt consolidation loan to have one payment for your existing loans. Click on the link and once you’re on the redirect page, please enter your credit score range and state of residence in our comparison tool to start comparing. Also, please be sure to check the relevant terms and conditions and eligibility criteria of the loan before submitting your application.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Anndy