Matched betting, one of the US's fastest-growing side hustles of the 2020s, has taken the country by storm, becoming a popular option for everyday Americans looking to make risk-free profits on the side.
But with this rapid growth has come an influx of burning questions. Among the most common is "Will matched betting affect my credit score?"
In this blog post, we'll not only give you a solid answer to that question, but we'll also provide all the info you need to know to ensure you can build yourself the strongest credit score possible while matched betting.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered official financial advice. Individuals with uncertainties about their specific financial situations are encouraged to seek professional financial advice.
A credit score is used to show your “creditworthiness” to lenders. Credit scores are represented by a number, usually between 300-850, with a higher score considered better than a lower one.
When you apply for credit, such as a loan or a credit card, the lender will want to know that they can rely on you to repay it. They don’t want to risk never seeing their money again. Your credit score will play an important role in their decision to lend you credit as provides them with a snapshot of your financial behavior.
A credit score is calculated by looking at a mix of elements such as:
Credit scores can be affected by so many things and your number may go up or down depending on any financial decision you make. Late repayments on a previous loan or overspending on a credit card will make your credit score plummet and highlight you as a potential risk to lenders. However, things like making a mortgage payment on time and sensible budgeting should keep your score high.
So where does matched betting come into this and does it affect your credit score?
The short answer is no. In the US, matched betting does not directly impact your credit score.
As confirmed by data analysis expert, Experian:
Gambling activity does not show up on your credit report, nor does it directly impact your credit history.
However, while matched betting itself will not directly affect your credit score, certain associated behaviors related to traditional sports betting or gambling could potentially cause harm. It's essential to stick to the matched betting process as well as be mindful of a few factors to ensure that your overall betting activity does not hurt your credit score. For instance:
While profits generated from matched betting are entirely tax-free and remain yours, there are some situations when they might not be categorized as income, for example when applying a mortgage.
Instead, mortgage eligibility is primarily determined by your regular salary or wages from standard employment.
However, there is no issue with utilizing your matched betting profits to contribute to your house deposit.
The first thing mortgage lenders are looking for is your ability to repay the loan within the agreed-upon term. If they judge your income to be insufficient, your mortgage application may be rejected.
While matched betting is acknowledged as risk-free, it still hasn’t really entered the mainstream in terms of general understanding. Unfortunately, any form of betting, despite its risk-free nature, is generally viewed as gambling, which implies a higher level of risk.
Mortgage lenders typically prefer a stable and predictable income derived from regular employment over unconventional sources, like betting activities.
Different mortgage lenders follow different procedures and will asses varying things. However, they will typically ask to see pay slips going back 3 months and up to six months of bank statements.
With the previous point in mind, one suggestion is to set up and use a dedicated bank account for your matched betting. This way, you can keep your matched betting activity separate from your everyday spending and present statements from your primary account when applying for a mortgage which show your everyday financial habits.
Ensuring that your primary account remains free of any betting activities simplifies the process and allows better financial tracking.
Alternatively, you could use a different payment method such as an e-Wallet or prepaid card for matched betting. However, it's important to note that this may exclude you from some sportsbooks’ promo offers or there may be associated fees. As always, check the terms and conditions first.
Now we’ve established that matched betting will not impact your credit score, you might be wondering “Will sportsbook do credit checks on me themselves?”.
Unlike traditional lenders, sportsbooks usually do not conduct credit checks. And since matched betting doesn't involve borrowing money or assets with a monetary value, there is no need for sportsbooks to assess your creditworthiness through credit checks.
However, in the matched betting process, sportsbooks may perform soft credit checks to verify your identity, age, and residence.
It's important to note that these checks are not intended for lending purposes. Instead, they serve to prevent money laundering and confirm the legitimacy of the account holder.
Soft credit checks do not impact your credit score and are not typically visible to lenders.
Checking your credit score is essential for keeping an eye on your current financial standing. Several reputable services in the US allow you to access your credit score, such as Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
Regularly reviewing your credit report enables you to identify any discrepancies, and ensure your credit information is up-to-date and accurate.
In conclusion, matched betting does not directly affect your credit score. Sportsbooks do not run hard credit checks, and the associated soft credit checks are not detrimental to your creditworthiness.
However, it is essential to keep on top of your matched betting activity so that you can practice solid financial management. One of the best ways to do this is to open a separate account purely for matched betting. That way, you can view incomings and outgoings without having to trawl through your everyday spending!
Regularly monitoring your credit score and practising sound financial habits will help you maintain a healthy financial profile.