how do I improve my credit score?

Answer 1

1. Pay off bills on time.
2. Pay off credit cards on time and in-full when you can.
3. Keep only as many credit cards as you need. When you stop using one, don't just cut it up -call to cancel it. Otherwise it stays on your credit report. Too many unused cards shows poor credit responsibility.
4. Don't request your credit report more than once per year (yes, requesting your score can reduce your points).
5. Take out loans when appropriate and pay them back.
6. Remember that credit is something that is built over time. It develops over a period of "borrowing" and paying back responsibly. Generally, smart spending habits will build good credit.

Answer 2

In my opinion, there are two aspects involved with improving your credit score. Since you did not provide any specifics, I am going to have to give you very generalized information.

The first part of improving your credit score is doing the usual things like paying your bills on time, keeping the balance on your credit cards under 50% of their limit, and all the usual standard advice that these other nice people have provided you with. They all have given very good advice.

But that is only one way to manage your credit properly. It is passive and will only take you so far. The other part of raising your credit score is by taking an active part in your credit management. Check your credit report no less than once per year, though I personally recommend every three months. Challenge everything on your credit report that is negative, no matter what it is! Don't worry about if it is legitimate or not, challenge it anyway. If the credit reporting agencies can't verify the information within 30 days they have to remove it, period. So you may be able to get even legitimate negative information removed. There are other ways to go about it, too, but you have to know the complexities of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the average person does not.
If positive information is not being posted to your report, contact the creditor or lender and find out why. Ask them to report your information. In most cases they will be willing to do so.

So it is important to remember that the two tiered approach to credit management (passive and active) is the best way to raise your credit score and KEEP it raised. Remember, if your credit score is under 720, you need to work on it.

If you have any questions regarding credit issues you may email me at [e-mail]

Answer 3

Improving your credit score will take time. It's not something that can be done in a week.

1) Pay off all debts that you may have.
2) Keep current with all loans and credit cards - if you got behind, it will take a while for those to come off your credit report and not affect your credit.
3) If you have credit cards that are paid off, DO NOT CLOSE THEM! Buy something small, then pay it off each month. Having a credit card, keeping up with the payments and keeping it in good status will improve your credit.
4) Get all paid off debts off your credit report. They are paid off, so they shouldn't be on there - no reason to keep them on there. You can get the contact info and write them a letter, certified with return receipt, telling them that it has been fulfilled and you want it removed, and it should be done in 30 - 45 days.

Good luck!

Answer 4

You do not have to pay off your credit cards that is a common mistake. You need to pay your min every month and keep your cards with 75% of thier limit as soon as you go over that your credit score will drop. Do not cancel cards as they then don't report on the bureau. Also do not apply for new cards or anything that require a credit check and your credit score can drop when inquires are made. Hope this helps

Answer 5

10. Learn what your current FICO® credit score is and what appears on your credit report. Score Power® gives you immediate access to your Equifax Credit Report™ and includes your current FICO® credit score.

9. Don't open new credit cards that you don't need just to increase your available credit. This approach could backfire and actually lower your score.

8. Try to keep your total account balances as low as possible. High outstanding debt may negatively affect your score, as you have a greater chance of missing payments.

7. Correct any incorrect information that might appear on your credit report. Visit Fixing Errors on Your Report for more information.

6. If your credit is severely damaged, or you have a very short credit history, there are still ways to improve your credit over time. Consider opening new accounts responsibly and paying them off on time.

5. If you fall behind on paying a bill because of illness, unemployment, or family issues, write a short explanation to the credit reporting agencies. They will add it to your credit report. Also, call your creditor to explain the circumstances and, if possible, work out a payment schedule you can meet.

4. If you need help managing your credit, contact a reliable nonprofit agency, such as:
Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS)
800-388-2227
www.cccsintl.org

3. To minimize the number of inquiries on your credit report, don't apply for multiple credit cards over a short period of time, or for a card you're not likely to get. Apply for new credit accounts only as needed.

2. Make all of your payments on time. If forced to miss a payment, be sure to pay the following month. Accounts more that are past due will be indicated on your credit report. If you have missed payments, get current and stay current. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score.

And the number one way...?

1. Continue to check your credit report regularly, charting your progress along the way. Get your FICO® score and your Equifax Credit Report™ today with Score Power®!

https://www.econsumer.equifax.com/consumer/sitepage.ehtml?forward=elearning_credit23

Answer 6

The quickest way is to pay off some credit card debt.

Focus on your credit cards that have the highest % of debt relative to their credit line and start paying them down. I have been told that keeping a steady balance of greater then 33% of the total credit line on one card can be a negative on your credit.

Other then that, just use credit wisely and ALWAYS pay your bills on time.

Opening small credit accounts in stores is a quick way to build up credit if you have no previoud credit history.

Answer 7

Pay your credit card balances every month if possible, or make the more then minimum payment. It will take a while, but credit card companies will increase you credit limit which will help.Do not close any credit cards unless they have been lost or stolen. The more available credit to debt ratio the better.

Answer 8

- Satisfy debts for full balance

- Make your payments on time religiously

- Don't let things to go collection

- Always pay more than your minimum

- Follow up with past creditors to have previously fulfilled or delinquent lines of credit removed. You can achieve their contact info on the back of any of the 3 reporting bureaus' reports, and by law, they must remove past lines by request within 45 days of your request for them to do so.

Hope this helps.

Answer 9

pay off debts, don't carry credit card balances from month to month pay them off each month, always pay on time, Close accounts you do not use.

Answer 10

pay the bills on time