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Improve Credit Score - 3 Tips For Raising A Low Credit Score
By: Carrie Reeder
Raising your credit score does not involve a lot a work. However, there must be
a willingness on your part to use credit responsibly. A low credit score makes
its more challenging to obtain a credit card or get prime rates on a home or
auto loan. On the other hand, a high credit score presents many finance options.
Check Credit Reports for Accuracy
Credit report errors are very common. It’s recommended that all consumers
examine their reports twice yearly. This way, if any errors or mistakes are
reported, you can quickly identify them and fix the problem.
For example, some creditors may accidentally report an account being past due or
unpaid. Usually, common mistakes are easy to correct. However, if you do not
start a habit of checking your report, the problems will go undetected, and can
potentially lower your credit score.
It helps to obtain a copy of your report from all three bureaus. This provides
an accurate credit standing. Also, it’s suggested that consumers review their
credit before applying for a home loan or auto financing.
Pay Bills on Time
Never underestimate the value of making timely payments to creditors. Being
habitually late on a credit card payment will greatly reduce your credit score.
Moreover, this bad habit can result in raised interest rates. If possible, mail
payments to creditors several days before the due date. This ensures payment
reaching the creditor on time. If you have a difficult time submitting timely
payments, consider setting up automatic payments.
Decrease Credit Card Balances
Credit card balances account for approximately 30% of your total FICO score.
Thus, reducing balances is a quick way to significantly increase your credit
score. To begin, keep credit card use to a minimum. Avoid shopping sprees and
spending money frivolously. Attempt to keep balances below 25% of the credit
limit.
Once you have successfully reduced or eliminated credit card balances, avoid
accumulating additional debt. It may help to payoff balances each month, or
establish a spending limit. It’s tempting to close paid off accounts. Although
these appear to be a smart credit maneuver, closing accounts will shorten credit
history, which lowers credit score.
About the Author:
Visit www.abcloanguide.com/freecreditreport.shtml to check your credit
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online.
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