Title: How Utility Bills Might Affect Your Credit History
Headings: Does Paying Utility Bills Affect Your Credit Score?
Does Paying Utility Bills Affect Your Credit Score?
Alternative Credit-Scoring Methods
Utility Accounts in Collections
Service Provider Payment History Checks
Building Your Credit
Monitor Your Credit
Fix Errors in Your Credit Reports
Keep Paying on Time
Get Current on Bills That Affect Your Credit Score
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What’s more, unpaid debts can evolve into legal judgments. 9 ﻿ On top of all that, you may have to pay additional fees as a result of a collection account. That may seem like an unfair deal: Utility providers can indirectly damage your credit if you don’t pay, but you don’t get any benefit (besides the service provided) for paying your bills. While many utility companies never report positive information (that you’ve always paid on time, for example) to credit bureaus, they may indirectly lead to negative information in your credit reports. An account in collections can have a lasting negative effect on your credit since it can stay in your credit file for seven years. Service Provider Payment History Checks
Although paying your utility bills may not directly affect your credit score, and hence, your ability to get a loan, those payments can help or hurt you in getting new utility services (if you move or otherwise need to change service providers, for example). Similar to alternative credit-scoring methods, some utility companies track your history of utility payments to determine whether you let you sign up for gas, water, or electricity. If you always pay on time, it will be easier to get these services. 10 ﻿
If you have a history of paying late, it may be difficult to get service (you may need to make a deposit or obtain a "letter of guarantee" from someone willing to make payments on your behalf if you can't make them).