Credit scores are essential. They can determine whether or not you’re able to get a loan, how high your interest rates will be, and even if you’re able to lease an apartment. A low credit score can also mean that you won’t get a job. Do you know how to fix your credit score?
If you’re looking to fix your credit, follow these five easy steps:
Step One: Get a Copy of Your Credit Report and Remove Any Existing Errors
You can get a free copy from AnnualCreditReport.com. It will give you an idea of where your credit stands. You can also see if all of the information listed on your credit report is accurate.
Once you’ve received a copy of your credit report, please go through it with a fine-tooth comb to look for errors.
Some common mistakes include
- Accounts that don’t belong to you
- Incorrect balances
- Misspelt names or addresses.
If you find an error in your report, contact each agency and file a dispute letter. The agency has 30 days to respond to your dispute letter before they have to remove the item from their records (Federal Trade Commission).
You must keep detailed notes about what was disputed so they can be removed as quickly as possible. If the agencies cannot verify the information, they will be removed from your credit report.
Step Two: Start Paying Your Bills on Time
One of the biggest things that impact your credit score is whether or not you pay your bills on time. If you have a history of late payments, start paying your bills on time. It will show creditors that you’re responsible and can be trusted to repay your debts.
Step Three: Reduce Your Debt-to-Credit Ratio
Your debt-to-credit ratio is also essential when it comes to your credit score. It is the amount of money you owe compared to the amount of available credit. Ideally, you want this number to be as low as possible.
If you’re carrying much debt, start paying off your debts. You can use a Debt Reduction Calculator to help figure out how long it will take you to pay off your debts (Credit Karma).
It would help if you also reduce your debt-to-income ratio. Try to pay off some of your outstanding debt to improve this ratio. It may be not accessible, depending on your current financial situation. Still, it’s essential to make a plan and stick to it.
Step Four: Use Credit Wisely
While you may have the luxury to enjoy your current good credit score, use it wisely. Don’t apply for too many credit cards at once or take out loans you can’t afford to repay. It will only hurt your credit score in the long run. Additionally, please do not take credit unless it is a necessity. The more credit you have, the more debt-to-credit ratio will be affected negatively.
Step Five: Don’t Close Your Older Accounts
Closing your oldest accounts can hurt your credit score because it decreases the length of your credit history. If possible, keep these cards open and in good standing to don’t impact your overall score too negatively (Bankrate).
For instance, if you have an account with a $0 balance and no late payments, it would be wise to keep that card open. It shows creditors how long you’ve had credit in your name and how responsible you make payments on time each month.
Wrapping It Up
Now that you know how to fix your credit, it’s time to get started! Just follow these five easy steps, and you will be on your way to a better credit score. However, If you’re having problems paying off your debts, consider speaking with a credit counsellor. They can help you create a debt repayment plan and negotiate lower payments with creditors (National Foundation for Credit Counseling). Remember, the sooner you start, the sooner you will see results. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
If you have any questions or need help getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are always here to help!
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*See site for details
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Milestone® Mastercard®
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- Credit Recommended
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First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
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- ¹Cardholders who keep their balance low and pay their credit card bill on time every month typically do see an increase in their credit score.
- Credit Recommended
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Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
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*To qualify for the welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Rewards Checking Plus account through Upgrade and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from your Rewards Checking Plus account within 60 days of the date the Rewards Checking Plus account is opened. If you have previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not open a Rewards Checking Plus account as part of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus offer. Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking Plus account must be open and in good standing to receive a bonus. To qualify, debit card transactions must have settled and exclude ATM transactions. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade Visa® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information. Welcome bonus offers cannot be combined, substituted, or applied retroactively. The bonus will be applied to your Rewards Checking Plus account as a one-time payout credit within 60 days after meeting the conditions.
Destiny Mastercard®
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- Less than perfect credit is okay, even with a prior bankruptcy!
- Credit Recommended
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- Credit Limit
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- See terms
- Annual Fee
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Merrick Bank Secured Credit Card
- Choose your own credit line based on how much money you want to put down as a security deposit.
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- Credit Recommended
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- Credit Recommended
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- Terms vary by partner. Please see individual application for product terms and conditions.
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Reflex® Platinum Mastercard®
- Up to $1,000 Initial Credit Limit
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- Less than perfect credit? We understand. The Reflex Mastercard is ideal for people looking to rebuild their credit.
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- Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
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- Regular APR
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OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
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Fair Credit Cards
- Time for a new Credit Card
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- Credit Cards for Fair Credit
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- See website for Details*
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*See Card for Terms and Conditions
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- Credit Recommended
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