| 1. Get a copy of your absolutely free credit report | | | | 5. Have you applied for any new credit cards or loans |
| instantly online - then make sure the information is | | | | recently? If you've applied for too many new credit |
| correct. You can get your credit report for free online | | | | card accounts or loans it may have a negative affect |
| each year for all three credit bureaus - Equifax, | | | | on your credit score (FICO) and credit history. These |
| Esperian and Trans Union. You'll find the report easy to | | | | inquiries are always reported and affect the credit |
| read. You'll be able to determine which accounts are | | | | score whether you're approved or not. However |
| actually listed on your report and which are correctly | | | | when you request a copy of your personal credit |
| listed. Check closely for any errors - go through again. | | | | report, or any creditors are watching your accounts |
| Check all of your information so that you can be sure | | | | these inquiries are not counted as applications for |
| there are no errors. Any errors can be devastating to | | | | credit. |
| your FICO or credit score. Dispute and resolve any | | | | 6. What types of credit card accounts and other |
| errors as soon as possible. | | | | accounts do you have now? Many of the |
| Free credit score? Your credit score at the time of | | | | credit-scoring models take into consideration the |
| this writing is not free. There is a small fee through | | | | number and type of accounts you have. A healthy mix |
| credit report services. However you can usually talk a | | | | of installment loans and credit cards may actually |
| lender into giving it to you if you have applied for a loan | | | | improve your score. But too many loan or finance |
| or auto loan through a credit union, bank or other | | | | company accounts or credit cards may hurt your |
| lender. | | | | score. |
| 2. Make sure to pay your bills by the due date. This is | | | | One secret tip - make sure to check your limits. If |
| one of the most important things you can do to | | | | more than 50% of your total available credit limits are |
| improve your credit score. If you have paid any of | | | | used you may want to know this tip. There is a |
| your bills late, have had any of your accounts referred | | | | little-known quick way to fix or increase your credit |
| to a collection agency, or have declared bankruptcy in | | | | score and that is to bring down your debt ratio. You |
| the past this history will show up on your report if its | | | | can try calling your credit card company and |
| been in the past few years. | | | | requesting a credit line increase. If you can get your line |
| 3. You can easily set up online automatic payments | | | | increased so that it makes your debt ratio less than |
| from your checking account to help you pay your bills | | | | 50% you may be able to increase your credit score |
| on time. Figure out the average minimum payment for | | | | by several points in next month's report if it's your only |
| each credit card you have. Make sure you have | | | | account. Of course you can try doing this with others |
| enough money in your account to avoid any bank | | | | too. You must keep in mind how much your total credit |
| charges or overdraft fees. | | | | availability will affect your score also. |
| 3. How much money do you owe now or in other | | | | 7. Be fully aware there are many credit-repair scams |
| words what is your outstanding debt? Many of the | | | | out there. The best way to repair your credit is to sit |
| models used for scoring compare the amount of the | | | | down and do it yourself. Use a credit repair ebook or |
| debt you have to your credit limits. If the amount of | | | | other manual. It is actually pretty simple and involves |
| your current debt is anywhere near your limit, it's apt to | | | | only writing a simple dispute letter. You want to do this |
| have a bad effect on your score. | | | | as soon as possible to remove any negative marks. |
| 4. How long have you had a credit history? A short | | | | When following these best tips to fix your credit report |
| history may actually have a negative or bad effect on | | | | and score and repair tips make sure to always do |
| your score, but you can offset a short history with | | | | your best to take care of the credit you have and |
| timely payments and low balances. | | | | you'll build a good history. |