How to Bring Your Credit Score Up

Your credit score could spell the difference between owning and renting, and determine the interest rate you're given when you make a large purchase. Because of this, it's important that you maintain a good credit score and consistently find ways to improve it. There are some general rules that should be followed in order to improve a low credit score.

Instructions

1

Start by building credit. For too many people, the fact that they have no credit score is often more damaging than having a poor one. You should start building your credit as early as you can through credit cards.

2

Make your payments. The more often you make your payments on time without getting late notices and possible defaults on accounts, the better your credit score will be when you really need to have good credit.

3

Solve debt issues with the creditor when possible. If you have a problem paying off a certain debt, try working with the company directly. Explain your situation and find out what the company can do in order to make your payment more manageable. It also creates a good opportunity to ask it about removing any late payment notations from your credit record with it.

4

Cancel old cards. If you've had a lot of credit cards in your past, they'll show up on your credit report. This can hurt your overall credit rating. By having them removed through the credit reporting agencies, you can boost your credit.

5

Keep track of negative credit information. The best way to do this is by regularly (at least yearly) getting your credit reports from all three credit reporting agencies (Experian, Transunion, Equifax). Some states allow for free credit reports from the agencies once a year but, no matter where you live, you can get them for a minimal $10 to $15 fee.