Everything You Need To Know About Credit Scores (a.k.a. Your Actual Aura Points)

What milestone made you feel like you were finally "adulting" for real?

Was it your first paycheck? Settling your first monthly bill? Or maybe it was a big girl purchase, unglamorous but important, like a microwave or rice cooker.

You'll probably agree that getting approved and receiving our first credit card was definitely a *moment*—nothing like tapping to pay to make you feel like you've made it!

However, the true aura points of owning a credit card is actually a lot more low-key: it's all about your credit score. Unlike earning points and rewards, spending more is not the key to bumping up your credit score—it's all about showing reliability with money.

Your not-so-secret financial report card

Banks need to know whether it's appropriate to grant an individual a loan product—whether it be for securing that first condo, your dream car, personal funds for your short-term needs, or capital for a business venture. This is where your credit score comes in. It helps them decide if they can offer you a loan, and even give you better rates.

It goes from 300 for an undesirable grade all the way to 850, which is excellent. If you want to know your score, you can usually request it from a third-party credit bureau (banks share info via these orgs) for a fee, but otherwise, most of us will never find out our exact number.

Here's how to earn extra credit (literally)

If you do get denied, have a low credit limit, or just can't stand the thought of being graded mediocre in anything, Metrobank has some essential advice on bumping up that score.

The most basic is having a regular monthly income and a bank balance that isn't running on fumes every end of the month, which is why we usually have to wait until we're adults with jobs to get a card in the first place.

The rest of it comes when you claim your starter card and begin working your way up the financial ladder without slipping on interest and penalties all the time. Here are the tips from Metrobank on how to get those aura points!

Pay on time, every time

The golden rule is to pay your entire credit card bill on time and in full each month. Not only does it help you avoid fees and interest, but it's also a strong indicator to banks that you are on top of your expenses.

Use flexible payments for big buys

While tip #1 says pay in full, we do get credit cards because some purchases are really just too big to pay off immediately.

Many credit cards offer installment plans like Metrobank's Balance Conversion—a service that lets you split up a big spend into budget-friendly amounts over a manageable period of time, with minimal fees. Again, that helps you avoid late penalties without tying up all your funds.

Keep it under 30

In the eyes of the bank, it's not really glam to max out the credit limit of your card every month, and going over (thanks to interest) is a major red flag—try to keep your spend at 30% of your total limit. Aside from making budgeting easier, it shows lenders that you're responsible with using your card.

If these sound similar to keeping good financial habits, then you aren't wrong! Good credit habits set you up for life and unlock better loan rates, cards with higher points or cashback offers, and even better perks!

Start your adulting journey by getting your first card with Metrobank. Choose the right one for your lifestyle—travel perks, everyday spending rewards, zero annual fees on installments—and get to work on those aura points!

For more information, head to Metrobank’s card page or check out earnest.ph.