| You have probably already figured out that the only | | | | negative information to the credit bureaus.o Pay Down |
| way to compete in such a lending market is to | | | | Debt - Do you have maxed out credit cards? Did you |
| improve your credit score. But you may be left | | | | know that how much money you owe on your cards |
| wondering, "How can I increase my own credit score?" | | | | accounts for 30 percent of your score? If you have |
| If you have asked yourself this question, the following | | | | credit cards, you should only carry a 20 percent |
| advice is for you:o Spot Mistakes - Nearly 80 percent | | | | balance on them. Pay them down or raise your credit |
| of credit reports have errors on them. Some of the | | | | limit until a 20 percent balance is achieved.o Mix it Up - |
| errors are small and do not affect your credit standing. | | | | Do not rely too heavily on one type of credit. You |
| However, 25 percent of all errors are serious enough | | | | should have a mix. For example: do not buy a car on a |
| to affect your credit score and may lead to a denial of | | | | credit card. If you have a credit card and car loan on |
| credit. You should review your reports at least every | | | | your report, it shows mix of credit and scores better |
| six months. Be sure to report all discrepancies | | | | than a high credit card balance alone even if the |
| immediately.o Pay Bills - Slow pays and no pays | | | | amount of debt is identical. |
| affect your credit score more than any other factor. | | | | The most important thing is to get started now. Be |
| Always pay all of your bills on time and in full. If you | | | | persistent and consistent and you will see an increase |
| cannot make a payment, call your creditor and make | | | | in your credit score. |
| arrangements so that they do not have to report | | | | |