Joe on other hand is a renter, who wants to buy his first home in near future. He pays his rent on time every month as well as his phone and utility bills. Joe is also a good credit consumer but his on-time payments are not reflected in his credit profiles. Why? Because major credit reporting agencies are not set up to track this type of payment and therefore they are not reflected in Joe’s credit score. Chances are good that Joe’s credit score will be lower than Sue’s because his on-time rent payments go untracked by credit bureaus.

As a result Joe will be quoted a higher interest rate and higher fees to his lender when he applies for his first home mortgage. Seems a bit unfair doesn’t it? The good news for Joe and other renters like him is that credit reporting system is about to change.

A bad credit history or bad credit habits will place “black marks” on your credit profile. These include things such as late payments, having an account assigned to a collection agency, and of course bankruptcy.

Establishing good credit habits and therefore a good credit rating will improve your credit worthiness. This will be reflected in potential lenders offering you substantially lower interest rates and better deals on credit offers.

Here are 4 tips to help you create a shining credit profile:

1) Pay Your Bills On Time

Lenders only have your past payment history on which to decide type of credit risk you present to them. How you pay off your debts now indicates to them how you will pay off future debts.

2) Don’t Use Too Many or Too Few Credit Cards

How much is too much ? How little is too little ? Many credit experts and financial planners suggest two to four credit cards is just right mix.