| Over 30 million Americans have less than perfect | | | | information is accurate. If something is wrong, you |
| credit report ratings. There are a lot of consumers out | | | | need to take the time to correct the information. Once |
| there looking to increase their credit scores. You can | | | | everything is correct, you can start improving your |
| tell this simply by observing how many advertisements | | | | rating. |
| there are out there for quick and easy credit repair. | | | | The number one thing that will improve your credit |
| These companies are hoping that you are looking for | | | | score is paying all your bills on time. This accounts for |
| a quick fix to your problems. | | | | up to 35% of your credit score. Your recent payment |
| But there is no quick way to change your credit report. | | | | history can have more effect on your score than your |
| If it is accurate, then you can't remove the negative. No | | | | past history. This means that if you pay all your |
| company can repair your credit rating simply by you | | | | payments on time, you can improve your score in as |
| paying them. | | | | little as a year. This is the easiest way to get a higher |
| The rules are the same for everyone. You simply | | | | credit score. |
| have to understand what makes up your credit rating. | | | | It goes both ways. If you miss a couple of payments, |
| Your credit score is a number between 300 and 850 | | | | your score will go down. Even those with perfect |
| that shows your credit worthiness. If you have a low | | | | records can see their score drastically drop if they |
| score, you are at high risk for defaulting on a loan. If | | | | miss a few payments. Many credit card companies will |
| you have a high score, chances are you won't default. | | | | use what is on your report to raise your interest rate. |
| Your lenders, landlords, insurance companies and | | | | So you don't have to miss a payment to them, just to |
| others use your credit score to determine whether or | | | | anyone who reports to the credit reporting agencies. |
| not to do business with you. | | | | You have to make your payments on time. |
| You should start by looking at your credit report. Many | | | | The second thing you can do is to start reducing the |
| people have much better credit than they assume. | | | | debt you have. The less debt, the better your score. |
| You can receive a free copy of your credit report | | | | For those of you who use credit cards for the |
| from each of the three major credit reporting agencies | | | | rewards, but pay off the balance each month, you |
| -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion -- once a year. | | | | could still be hurting your credit report. The card |
| You can go to for more information. | | | | company may be reporting your outstanding balance |
| Contrary to popular belief, each credit reporting agency | | | | before you bill is paid. This shows you have debt, even |
| does not have the same information about you. You | | | | though you don't. This will lower your score. So if you |
| must look at all three reports. Each agency gets | | | | use your card, you should stop for a few months |
| information from different lenders and different lenders | | | | before you apply for a loan. |
| report to different agencies. There are often mistakes | | | | You can improve your credit score by paying your bills |
| that show up one one report, but not the other two. | | | | on time and reducing your credit card debt. That's all |
| You need to look at all three to make sure they are | | | | that will work. It won't cost you anything. Just get to |
| accurate. | | | | work and over time, you will see your credit score |
| Once you have your credit reports, make sure all the | | | | increase. |