|
Improve Your Credit Score In Three Easy Steps
Heidi Eckhart
Your credit score is based upon your credit report, which is a record of your entire credit payment history. It includes information on your outstanding debts and any negative financial data about you (for instance, if you’ve filed for bankruptcy). A good credit report equals a good credit score.
Your score will vary depending on which of the three credit bureaus pulls your report, since each uses a slightly different scoring model. Basically, the higher your score, the better.
Scores generally run from 150 to 950. A credit score higher than 660 can significantly lower the interest rate you receive on a loan or credit card. To give your score a boost, follow these simple instructions:
1. Always pay bills on time. This is crucial to improving your score. Keep in mind, it takes a few months for prompt payments to show up on your credit report.
2. Pay down maxed out credit cards as soon as possible. Any time you charge more than 50% of any credit card’s limit, points will be docked from your score.
3. Keep credit cards open, even if you do not use them anymore. One-third of your credit score is based on how much you owe compared to how much credit is available to you. Until you have your debts paid down further, keep your unused cards in a safe place (not your wallet - that’s too tempting).
To receive a free copy of your credit report and the option to purchase your score, visit www.annualcreditreport.com.
Source: Bankrate.com
 Print
Email |
|
|
|
