Banks are tightening even more on their lending
practices from home mortgages to credit cards and business loans.
The Federal Reserve said in its quarterly survey of bank lending
practices that most banks are tightening their credit guidelines
even further.
The Fed found 85 percent of banks tightening their
guidelines for commercial and industrial loans, which were up from
June survey which reported 65 percent.
Even further 95 percent of the banks reported
tightening guidelines for lines of credit. Number of larger banks
reported tightening credit for credit cards and loans where 60
percent of banks responded with tightening credit card debt, while
65 percent responded with tightening on consumer loans.
With Fed survey there is a sign on Wall Street that
banks are increasing their credit supply. Even with tighten credit
banks are now considering changing their credit guidelines.
For credit cards, banks are still not willing to take
any further chances with many borrowers and now many of consumers
see their limits reduced. A survey of credit card industry showed
that 62 percent of credit companies will plan to reduce lines of
credit because of economic conditions.
American Express changes credit limits 20 percent of
its customers every year and more limits are being lowered than
raised.
Many companies are working on to lower their risks if
customer defaults on credit card payment. By cutting credit
limits or closing accounts can have a negative affect on credit
reports score. One way credit score is calculated is debt to
available credit ratio. The closer the debt is to a credit limit,
the lower the score.
Any credit changes will be corresponded by bank in
writing, in which case you can leave it as is or move your debt into
another credit card.
Other chance is to reverse the decision by calling a
bank if your credit score is still good. Bank will investigate and
provide you with their decision.
If you have a card that has not been used, use it for
small purchases which will also help you to increase your score.
Most important part is not to miss a payment. Fees
will accelerate after you miss a payment and it will be hard to
catch up.
It is important in today's credit crunch to save
money. Downsizing is one option as large homes and fancy cars make
people look, but behind those fancy things is debt. Right now many
consumers should be looking to lower their standard of living.
If you are living paycheck to paycheck avoid credit
cards at all cost. If you have credit cards start to lower your
debt. Don't use credit cards if not needed and don't always make
minimum payments.
To save money you can add to 401K or open up a new
account that will withdraw fund from your paycheck automatically and
deposits them into high-interest saving account.
As holidays are approaching many consumers will be
saving even more and buying only what is necessary. U.S. economy
will improve and when it does many consumers will be still paying
off their credit balances.