Upgraded Points Data Study Reveals Best U.S. Cities for Boosting Credit Scores

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Upgraded Points recently shared the results of its newest in-depth data study of 60 American cities, ranking them from best to worst for credit score impact. The ability to pay off debt is a crucial factor for determining credit score, so the sooner debt can be lowered, the better. But minimum wage, per capita income, and cost of living are just a few of the important factors that determine how quickly Americans can reduce their debt – and location is key. Upgraded Points is a well-established travel company that regularly provides similar studies of seasonal and special interest to both its customers and general travelers.

"There are a whole host of benefits to having a great credit score," said Alex Miller, Founder of Upgraded Points. "Lower interest rates on car loans and home mortgages, better insurance coverage, the best credit cards, and even rental housing can all depend on a good score. Fixing a bad or even average score can be a hard job though, so a little knowledge goes a long way. And that is why we put together a list of the best cities to be employed, spend your money, and ultimately reduce your debt – helping your credit in the process."

Analysis Methodology

The study started with 60 of the largest cities in the United States and then ranked them based on eight different factors: interest rates, number of financial advisors per capita, cost of living index, average credit card debt, unemployment rate, mean credit score, minimum wage, and per capita personal income. Each factor was assigned a scored weight based on its importance to boosting credit. That data was converted into a score of 0 to 5, with 5 being the most favorable. Scores were then multiplied by their factors' weight and added together for a total possible high score of 50.

The Best U.S. Cities to Boost Credit Scores

New York State has three cities in the top 10 rankings, but surprisingly, New York City was not among them. Rochester ranks third with an overall score of 36.38 and an extremely low unemployment rate of 2.3%. The capital city of New York, Albany, sits in the fourth spot with an overall score of 33.29. And Albany is the only small city to make it into the top 10 rankings with a city size of 99,224.

Syracuse is the third city in New York state to make the top 10 with an overall score of 30.8. All three cities have an average cost of living index of 70.29, meaning it is 30% cheaper to live in one of these cities than the national average. This allows workers to pay down debt far faster.

The top two cities in the study to boost credit scores are on opposite sides of the country. Number two is San Jose, California, with a total score of 36.38.

The Worst U.S. Cities to Boost Credit Scores

No one wants their city to be on the "worst" list, but the data is clear. With one of the lowest minimum wages in the country ($7.25/hour) and extremely high unemployment rates, Texas has the dubious distinction of having the top three worst cities for boosting credit scores. In fact, half of the top ten worst cities are all located in Texas. Ranking number two and number three are El Paso and Dallas, respectively. While Atlanta, Oklahoma City, and New Orleans are all in the top ten as well.

To see the complete results of all 60 cities along with multiple city-by-city breakdowns, complete risk factors, score weights, and more, please visit the full study HERE.

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Upgraded Points is a travel company that provides insider strategies on maximizing travel points and rewards. Launched in 2016 by Alex Miller, Upgraded Points uses targeted research efforts and in-depth studies to give travelers, as well as those looking to travel, a real understanding of how to maximize their points and miles. Learn more at: www.UpgradedPoints.com. 

Media Contact:

Alex Miller, Founder
214-646-8866
[email protected]

SOURCE Upgraded Points