How do I improve my credit in a short amount of time?

Question

i figured a gas card was a good way to go but I tried applying for one at Kwik Star/Trip but they turned me down for having no credit. I really don't want to have to get a credit card, what else can I do?

I pay my bills regularly but those places don't report to the credit ppl, cause there is nothing on my credit report, i have no credit score. I have rented an apartment for 2 and a half years and paid utilities but still have no credit, what do I do?

I have never had a credit card either and don't want to have to go that route

Answer 1

The absolute fastest way is to have someone with good credit and a good tradeline history to add you as an authorized user on their credit card. It automatically adds 2 years of that accounts history to your credit reports.

I would highly suggest though trying to clean up your credit in the process to help you get where you need to be. Once you started, you can check www.whogavemecredit.com with your scores to see who will give you credit.

#1) Pull all your reports. Not online, request actual physical copies. They usually contain more than what an online report does. This will give you a start on where you need to go with your reports. Also, keep them. Never toss them. They are proof later on if you need them to refer to if you ever get into a legal situation regarding your credit (lawsuit etc). You can get your first set free on an annual basis at annualcreditreport.com.

#2) Dispute. Dispute anything that is not correct including, balance amounts, lates, etc. If you have only one or two lates, I would call your creditor and see if you can get them removed via goodwill gesture, or send a goodwill letter. You can find some great letters on some of the credit boards like creditnet.com and creditboards.com.

#3.) Collections? If you have any collections on your account or anything that should not be there, send a DV (debt validation) to the creditor asking to prove the debt. If they cannot, they have to remove the debt off of your report by law.

#4.) You have rights - check out http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/031224fcr... for more info.

#5.) check out some of the posts on creditnet.com and creditboards.com for assistance.

#6.) If you have no credit, or want a temporary boost - have a family member or really (really, really, really) close friend add you in as an authorized user on their credit cards. Make sure the balances are not high, otherwise this could hurt you more. The higher the available credit, the more your utilization will go down on your report - therefore bumping your score.

#7.) Avoid unnecessary inquiries. Hard pulls can hurt you, so avoid applying for new credit cards unless necessary.

This of course is a shortened version of things you can try. Research info on those links I provided you. You can increase your score spending just a short amount of time per week, sending letters to creditors etc. I increased my score over 100 points in less than 6 months. Depending on your situation, this could take shorter or longer time, but at least you have somewhere to start. Good luck!

Answer 2

Definitely take a look at your credit report. You can get one for free ATLEAST once a year. Depends on your state and which credit bureau you go to. I would then look to see if there is anything on there that is NOT yours or is inaccurate. I would get those items fixed because that may help you. Alot of the items HAVE to come off after 7 years of deliquency. If that is a problem and you get it fixed that can really help your score.
It is hard to say without looking.
I opened an orchard card and even though I don't have great credit, they gave me a small limit (with some annual fees) but I have paid RELIGIOUSLY and they put a positive on my credit report.
Just pay your stuff on time. You do'nt want to get another card because that is more debt.

Answer 3

Research on the Internet for issuers of credit cards for those with no or little credit established; otherwise if you maintain a checking account that consistently has a balance in it and you don't bounce checks ask the bank for a credit card with a LOW LIMIT (prevent yourself from overspending). Than run up a small (I SAID SMALL) balance of say $500 and just make the minimum payment for 6-8 months than pay it off--repeat by getting a 2nd card elsewhere. You'll build a credit history and that'll get you on the road toward having a better chance in the future for your credit needs.

Answer 4

Apply for a secured credit card with a bank. Make payments on time for at least 6 months; and then apply for another credit card that's not secured. In addition; never let your credit card exceed over 75% of your credit limit. For example if your limit is $100.00; don't go over $75.00 dollars.

Answer 5

Clean up your credit by making payment's on item's.

Answer 6

There is a lot of good info on this subject right here.

Answer 7

i think you can answer a lot of your questions here
http://www.wesayes.com
if anything else they have a credit repair kit

Answer 8

pay bills regularly.