While it is very easy to lower your credit score (a late payment here, a forgotten bill there), it is much harder to raise it back up. Bad credit often means higher interest rates, being denied for student loans, or even being turned down by a potential landlord. This article will help you avoid these things with credit repair.
Research the fine points of disputing items on your credit report. It can be done, but the process is not easy. Make sure to track and follow up regularly with all reported disputes. If you stop checking on them, they will stop working on them as well. It’s your credit, so make sure it’s correct!
Do not close that account you’ve had since leaving high school, it’s doing wonders for your credit report. Lenders love established credit accounts and they are ranked highly. If the card is changing interest rates on you, contact them to see if something can be worked out. As a long term customer they may be willing to work with you.
Refrain from applying for too many credit cards. When you own too many cards, you may find it difficult to keep track of them. You also run the risk of overspending. Small charges on every card can add up to a big liability by the end of the month. You really only need a couple of credit cards, from major issuers, for most purchases.
Pay your bills on time. It is the cardinal rule of good credit, and credit repair. The majority of your score and your credit is based off of how you pay your obligations. If they are paid on time, every time, then you will have no where to go but up.
If you have several credit cards to pay off, start by paying off the one with the lowest amount. This means you can get it paid off quicker before the interest rate goes up. You also have to stop charging all your credit cards so that you can pay off the next smallest credit card, once you are done with the first one.
Using an online service to help repair your credit isn’t a bad approach. However, make sure that you know what they charge ahead of time and that there aren’t any hidden fees. Companies who charge per month or pay as you go are the best options for you so you are fully clear as to what you will be paying.
If you have a poor credit rating and want to bring it up, pay for some of your day to day things with your credit card. Then, at the end of the month, pay off the credit card completely. This shows that you’re able to responsible borrow money and pay it off.
As mentioned earlier, having bad credit can negatively impact your lifestyle. Getting your credit score back up can make you a less risky (and therefore a more attractive) candidate during interviews, applications for housing, and requests for loans. Using these credit repair tips can be extremely beneficial if you would like to raise your credit score.