Help Fix My Credit Score

If you haven't paid attention to your credit score, it may be time to start, particularly if you are looking for a new loan or even a new job. Your credit score affects how banks see you as a credit risk. The higher the score, statistically the less likely you are to default on a new loan or credit card. If your score is low, find out the reasons and start to fix the problems now.

Get a Copy

To fix your credit score, you must first order a copy of your credit report, preferably from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. By law, you are entitled to one free copy of each report per year, which you download from the Annual Credit Report website. If you have been denied employment or credit because of information in your credit report, you are also entitled to a free copy from the agency that was used in the decision. You may have to purchase a copy from each of the agencies if you cannot obtain a copy otherwise.

Review and Dispute

Carefully review the copy of your credit report from each agency. Look for information that is erroneous, and note it separately. Pay attention to late payment information on accounts on which you have not paid late, or accounts and records that are not yours. Dispute this information with the reporting agency, either online, by phone or by mailing a certified letter, stating why the information is wrong. The credit reporting agency must investigate your claim, usually within 30 days, and give you their decision on the outcome in writing. If you disagree, you may put a short statement in your credit file noting your disagreement. You may also dispute the information directly with the creditors.

Time Heals All Wounds

If the negative information on your credit report is accurate, there is nothing that you can legally do to have it removed. Credit reporting agencies are required to report accurate and truthful information about you. Most negative credit information remains on your report for seven years, with the exception of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which is reported for 10 years. After two to three years, however, most negative information has considerably less effect on your credit score, particularly when you replace it with positive information.

Report Good Information

Make sure that you are using credit correctly, making your payments on time and keeping your balances low compared to your credit limits; never carry any more than 30 percent of your available credit limit as a balance. Don't apply for multiple lines of new credit at one time. Use new and existing accounts wisely, and this behavior will be reported on your credit report. Make sure that any accounts that should be reporting to the major credit agencies are doing so.