Improve Your Credit Score

2. Pay off or lower debt. Try to get accounts down to low or zero balances. If you can get your debt below 50% of the available credit limits, you credit score should improve considerably.

3. Do not close existing credit cards. Even if you are not using the credit card, keeping on your credit history will elevate your overall rating.

4. Do not max out your credit limits. The more credit you have outstanding, the greater risk you are in the eyes of the lender. This will negatively impact your credit score.

5. Check your credit report for accuracy. Errors in your credit report will lower your credit score. Check your credit report annually to ensure it is correct.

6. Limit your credit cards. Just because you get an intriguing offer a to apply for a credit card, does not mean you have to. Each application results in a credit inquiry which in turn lowers your credit score.

7. Monitor your balances. Paying off your debt and sustaining low balances will help improve your credit score. If you can’t pay off your whole entire balance in one month, pay off as much as you can manage. If your balance creeps up beyond 75% of the available credit limit, it could be interpreted as a warning signal.

8. Borrow only what you can afford.

9. Pay your bills on time. It is critical to pay bills on time. A late or missed payment over time will have a big impact on your credit score.

10. Re-establish your credit history if you have had problems in the past. Opening new accounts with reasonable balances and paying them off on time will raise your score over time.