How to Improve Your Credit Score

Tips to Increase Credit Score: Check Your Credit Reports

Beyond huge issues like identity theft, mistakes do happen and they can definitely impact your credit score. Make sure your score is as accurate as possible by procuring either an Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion report. Take note that the Fair Credit Reporting Act entitles you one free copy a year that you can access at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Tips to Increase Credit Score: Assess Your Debts

List out all of your debts so you can get a handle on what exactly you owe. Two determining credit score factors are:

• Your debt to credit ratio: Tanks note of how much available credit you have compared to how much you have charged. To be certain that your credit score is as good as can be, you want to keep your charges under 30% of the available balance every month.
• Number of cards with balances: The more cards with outstanding balances, the lower your score will be.

Tips to Increase Credit Score: Create a Payment Plan

Get your debt under control with a repayment plan that includes taking care of debts in collections, eliminating small balances on cards, and working to pay down larger debts.

Tips to Increase Credit Score: Open a Credit Card

A lack of credit often translates to poor credit, so your credit score could also be low because you simply have never had a loan or credit card before. Opening a card in New Albany can actually help establish and improve credit! Just take care to stay under the 30% balance and pay your bill on time every month.

A simple way to improve your credit score is to pick one recurring monthly charge and pay it with your credit card, making sure you set the money aside to pay the balance off when the bill arrives. If you don’t qualify for a regular credit card, consider a secured credit card. This type of card has a small limit and usually requires an initial deposit of around a couple hundred dollars to open.

Tips to Increase Credit Score: Build a Credit Age

Your credit score is built over time, it’s important to establish your credit as soon as possible. If you are starting today, one way to improve your credit history is by joining a family member’s account. Just be sure that they paid their bills on time, as that will begin to reflect well on you. And of course, make sure both parties have a clear agreement on who actually gets to use this line of credit and how payments will be handled!

Tips to Increase Credit Score: Minimize New Credit Applications

While we established that a new credit card or loan can improve your credit score, you should be cautious when applying for them. Remember that when lenders do a hard inquiry of your credit, that can impact your score for up to a year.

Find Out More Ways to Raise Credit Score at Bachman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Are you seeking additional advice on how to get a better credit score? Contact the Finance Center at Bachman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Our credit experts will walk you through the process and answer any additional questions in Jeffersonville.