Could a good credit score help you get a date?

People are now adding their credit scores to their dating profiles – and it’s helping them get more dates. For example, one TikToker (with a now-private TikTok account) made a video about disclosing her 811 credit score on her dating profile and going on 17 dates in 30 days.

If you’re tempted to follow suit, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, your own credit score. Does it leave a lot to be desired or will it be an asset on your Hinge profile? Here’s how to understand your credit report, including the sometimes cryptic report codes that show up when you pull your report from one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion or Experian).

How to understand your credit report

Understanding your credit reports is essential for managing your financial health. First, obtain copies from each major credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). You’re entitled to one free report per bureau annually at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Then, review your personal information carefully, including name, address, and Social Security number, to ensure accuracy and detect any identity theft. Study the accounts section, where you’ll find a list of your open and closed accounts. Pay attention to balances, payment history, and any potential errors. Verify credit inquiries to ensure they are legitimate.

Unauthorized inquiries could indicate potential fraud. If you find any errors or inaccuracies, promptly dispute them with the credit bureau. Follow their instructions for submitting a dispute.

Be on the lookout for late payments and collections. Understand credit utilization, which is the percentage of available credit you’re using. High utilization may negatively impact your credit score.

Familiarize yourself with credit report codes, which provide information about different aspects of your credit history. Refer to the credit bureau’s documentation for code meanings.

What are credit report codes?

A credit report code, also known as a credit reporting code or tradeline code, refers to a numerical or alphabetical code that appears on a credit report. These codes are used by credit reporting agencies to categorize your profile as a borrower. There are various credit report codes associated with various aspects of your credit history.

Credit report codes can vary depending on the credit reporting agency, but they generally follow a standardized format. Each code represents a specific type of account, payment status, or other credit-related information. Here are common examples:

1. R0: This code indicates that an account is currently in good standing with no history of late payments or delinquencies.
2. R1 to R9: These codes represent different stages of delinquency or payment history. R1 indicates that payments are being made on time, while R9 indicates the worst level of delinquency, such as a bankruptcy or account in collections.
3. I: This code indicates that an account is classified as “installment” debt, meaning it involves regular fixed payments over a specified period (e.g., a car loan or mortgage).
4. O: This code indicates that an account is classified as “open” or revolving credit, such as a credit card or line of credit.
5. M: This code indicates that an account is classified as a mortgage.

Keep in mind that if you see something on your credit report that leaves you confused or concerned, it’s always best to directly contact the credit reporting agency for clarification.

What is an attractive credit score?

While there is no fixed threshold for what constitutes an attractive credit score, higher scores generally indicate better creditworthiness and can offer you more favorable loan terms, lower interest rates, and increased access to credit. And now, as it turns out, it can also potentially improve your dating life.

Wondering what number to aim for? In the U.S., the most commonly used credit scoring model is the FICO Score, which ranges from 300 to 850. A credit score above 700 is generally considered good, while a score above 800 is often seen as excellent