This is the second article in a two-part series about credit score information. Our [previous post] showed you what information is included in a credit score.
Now that you know a little more about what goes into your credit score you may be wondering what you can do to improve it. Here are a few simple tips:
Pay Your Bills!
First, and foremost, pay your bills ON TIME, EVERY TIME. You can pay them a few days early to make sure they process on time. Being even one or two days late affects your score the same as being 30 days late. Over 30 days late? You are hurting your score even more.
If you can afford it try and make more than the minimum monthly payment on your credit cards. It will save you money, in the long run, because you end up paying less interest. It will also show lenders that you take your debt seriously and work hard to repay it.
Close Unused Accounts
Close unused accounts. If you have paid off a loan or a high interest credit card and you no longer intend to use it, close it. You do not want to close every line of credit offered to you because another thing credit bureaus look at is your used credit versus your available credit. Bottom line: If it is a card with a high rate then have it closed.
Get a Free Credit Report
You can always get a free copy of your credit report once a year from all three major credit bureaus. It’s simple to call and request your report. Then you know what lenders are looking at when they evaluate you as a borrower. Looking at your free credit report can also help you determine where you can improve.
To request a free credit report, visit http://www.annualcreditreport.com