Now it’s more important than ever to have a great credit report. Having a solid credit score can save you money. You’ll be able to borrow money at a better interest rate. That can really add up over the life of a loan.
Here are eight no-nonsense ways to improve your credit score:
1. Check for errors on your credit report.
Mistakes can happen. Just be sure you’re paying only for the mistakes that are yours. Order a copy of your credit report and verify that all the information is accurate.
2. Pay down your credit card balances.
In an ideal world you wouldn’t carry a credit card balance at all! But, if you’re like most people you probably have a revolving amount of credit card debt. Your best bet is to stick to one card and continue to pay it down. Shuffling the balance to new cards may temporarily lower your interest rate but frequently lower your score over the long run.
3. Don’t max out your credit cards.
This sends the signal that you are in financial trouble. It can lower your credit score… and can contribute to financial distress.
4. Wait 12 months to apply for a mortgage after major credit troubles.
Major credit troubles — such as bankruptcy or a written off loan — signal to a lender that you’ve been unable to maintain your credit worthiness. Wait a year and work to improve your score before going for a big-ticket item like a home.
5. Don’t purchase a big-ticket item (like a vehicle) while extending credit for another big purchase (like a home).
Two or more major purchases at once adds to your overall debt-to-income ratio. It can also signal a warning sign to creditors. Don’t overextend yourself in the eyes of people loaning you money. Make one purchase at a time and only if you’re able to make consistent payments on both.
6. Don’t apply for multiple credit cards.
The credit agencies will ask, “Why do you need access to a bunch of money all at once?”. You may be financing an independent film which will go on to critical and commercial success. Or, you might be like most people and are hard up for cash. That looks bad as far as your credit score is concerned.
7. Shop for mortgages or auto loans all at once.
Multiple credit inquiries all at once can lower your credit score. But, if all the inquiries are from the same type of lender it can be counted as one inquiry.
8. Avoid payday loans.
Not only are the rates truly terrible, using these finance companies will lower your score. Avoid at all costs!
What works best? Consistent payment of all your bills while maintaining or lowering your debt level. Track your credit score every six months or year to really chart your progress. And, discuss your progress in one of Geezeo’s credit score groups.
Good luck improving your credit score!
December 10th, 2008 at 9:42 am
3. Don’t max out your credit cards.
This sends the signal that you are in financial trouble. It can lower your credit score… and can contribute to financial distress.
Or it could simply indicate a very low credit limit. Hasn't the credit contraction reduced credit scores unilaterally?
December 10th, 2008 at 9:45 am
8. Avoid payday loans.
Not only are the rates truly terrible, using these finance companies will lower your score. Avoid at all costs!
Cite, please! I've never seen nor heard of a payday loan being reported to a credit bureau if the loan is repaid timely.
December 10th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
True: using a payday loan service will NOT AUTOMATICALLY lower your score.
However, it is well documented how many people get caught up in a terrible cycle of payday loans if they are unable to meet the initial obligation in full. (Business models are built on this assumption). So, it follows that escalating, multiple late payments would erode an otherwise solid credit score.
If you're serious about improving your credit score you should avoid these kinds of companies at all costs – literally.
Thanks for your comments!
December 11th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
All great advice. But also, please let your readers know that they have a federally mandated right to view their credit report for free!
Hundreds of agencies out there offer monthly “service fees” for providing this same information.
It's estimated that 25% of scores contain false and damaging information. Knowing your report and score is the first and most important step in fixing it.
January 30th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
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keep it up