The Hustler's Digest StaffMany people do not understand how important it is to maintain good credit. The first thing lenders look at when considering credit applications is your credit score. Unfortunately, not everyone has excellent credit, and your debt history will affect your credit score. Here are some ways to improve your credit score.
Maintain a low balance on your credit cards
As you build and rebuild your credit, avoid carrying a large balance on your credit cards. This is especially dangerous if you use high-interest credit cards regularly. In addition, it can quickly spiral out of control if you don’t plan your repayment. For example, always consider the repayment plan when purchasing a credit card. Then, implement a spending limit and set aside a portion of your monthly payment for the balance.
Check your credit report regularly.
It is essential to check your free credit report regularly to keep your score up-to-date and to prevent any errors from affecting it. You should do this whenever you change jobs or apply for credit, especially if you’re concerned about identity theft. It’s free to pull your credit report online, and you can look for any errors or signs of fraud. While it’s easy to spot the mistakes and suspicious activity on a free credit report, the reports don’t necessarily reflect your overall financial situation.
However, good credit can help you qualify for better interest rates, lower monthly payments, and more. And it can help you get approved for more loans with no credit history or credit cards.
Try to reduce any outstanding debt.
The best way to raise your credit score is to eliminate your debt, which will boost your total score. Credit cards with high-interest rates should be paid off first. Otherwise, the same amount with fewer cards will negatively impact your score. When determining how much you can pay each month. It is best to allocate the bulk of your budget towards paying off the highest interest cards first while maintaining minimum payments on other cards. Attempting to pay off credit cards you don’t use is not a quick fix, but it can raise your score for a long time.
Resolve credit report inaccuracies
To dispute inaccurate information, write to the furnisher (bank or credit card issuer). This letter should state the facts and your reason for disputing the information. Include copies of any supporting materials and mail them to the address on your credit report, or use a sample dispute letter.
Once you’ve identified the mistake, you can dispute it with the credit bureaus. However, suppose you’ve already contacted the creditor and received no response. In that case, you may wish to escalate your dispute to the credit reporting agency.
Only apply for new credit when necessary.
If you want to improve your credit score, you must remember to only apply for new credit when it is essential. Opening too many recent credit accounts at once will lower your score. Instead, wait at least six months between opening new accounts before using more than 30% of your available credit. This rule is essential for your credit score because it will ensure you get the best prices and interest rates. Besides, opening new accounts will increase your credit utilization, lowering your score.
Apply for a secured credit card
If you’re struggling to build credit, applying for a secured credit card may be the right solution. Unlike unsecured cards, secured credit cards don’t require a credit check, and no minimum credit score is needed to apply. However, they don’t always work well for people with high credit card bills. In addition, secured cards often have lower credit limits than unsecured ones. As a result, they’re not recommended for high-spending people or just starting to rebuild their credit.
Pay off all your debts.
Your credit score is directly affected by how much you owe compared to the available credit. As a rule of thumb, keep your credit card balances below 30% of your available credit. Keeping your debt to credit limit low will also increase your score. This tip can be applied to any credit card that you own.
If at all possible, avoid filing for bankruptcy
This means analyzing your budget carefully and considering all your options. While the short-term credit impact of bankruptcy can be devastating, focusing on your debt relief instead of your credit score is essential in using Credit Sesame.
Afterward, you can start rebuilding your credit score. If you really cannot afford the debts, consider selling some of your personal belongings and reducing your spending.
If you must file for bankruptcy, consider borrowing money from family and friends to cover your expenses. Although this may lead to strained relationships, this method can help you avoid bankruptcy. Just remember to treat the money like a bank loan and calculate how much you need to avoid default before taking it.
