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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye
Boosting Credit Scores isn’t always an overnight process. Although, with some focused effort it shouldn’t take too long.
In this article, you will discover a few secrets that you can implement instantly to begin helping your credit score move up.
TIP #1- One of the fastest ways to see your scores go up is to pay down your credit balances.
Most credit scores look at whether or not your credit is "maxed out." people are scored higher when they use a smaller percentage of their available credit.
It is advised to never use more than 50 percent of your limit on any card. In other words, it is more beneficial to have 4 credit cards with a limit of $5,000 on each card, and only owe a balance of $2,500 on each, than to have 2 credit cards “maxed out” at $5,000 a piece.
TIP #2- Paying your bills on time are obviously going to have a huge impact on your score, because is accounts for the largest part of your score.
So, Pay your bills on time! Even 6-12 months of adept on-time payments, will have a positive impact.
On the other hand, missing payments, or only paying the minimum payment due each month on your accounts, will typically lower your score.
TIP #3 - Take care of your collections. “Un-paid” or “active” collections are worse than “paid” or “settled” collections.
In many instances you should be able to negotiate a “pay-off settlement” at fraction of your total collection owed. In addition, as you pay them off, you should always ask for all of your “bad” remarks to be removed from the report or at least those they will report them as paid in full.
TIP #4- Stop asking for more credit. You want to be cautious of having too much recent credit activity on your report at any given time.
If you are applying for more credit, whether you actually get the credit or not, your scores tend to slide down. This is because lenders see it as “risky” whenever you are searching out more credit.
So, just say no to credit card offers. Don’t accept the application at the retail store if they ask you to apply for their in depot account. Don’t co-sign for anyone. Just sit still.
TIP #5- Don’t just use one card for all of your credit activities.
Using a couple of cards casually is far more adept than only using one of your cards for everything and having another card which gets no use or activity at all.
Furthermore, make sure you have several types of accounts. Having some diversity is good here. Motorcar loans, a mortgage payment, credit cards, or even instalment plans show the lenders your ability to handle different “types” of accounts, equally as well.
TIP #6- Add stability to your credit file
Longevity is the key. You need to be consistent and you want to continue to use your credit and pay your bills responsibly.
It won’t do you any good to pay off all your debts, settle all of your accounts, and just start paying cash for everything in life.
If you do that, then the lenders won’t have anything to basis a score on and you will find yourself not-financable there too.
You need some positive and consistent activity on your report in prescribes for it to be scored, and in order that your score will continue shooting upward as time goes on.
BONUS TIP - What about fixing mistakes that might be on your report:
This is a detailed topic that is covered in great depth in other reports I have authored, so by no means is this a thorough conversation here. But let's touch on a couple of quick tips here and get you started.
There are specific procedures for you to get rid of mistakes on your credit report. Under the “Fair Credit Reporting Act”, a credit bureau MUST resolve your dispute or problem, typically within 30 days of receiving your notice.
STEP ONE - Examine your reports carefully. You are looking for what is accurate and what is not accurate.
When the negative info in your report is accurate, then obviously it belongs there. It will remain there until time and good habits eventually erase the mistakes you have produced.
In this case, although you can't delete the “bad-but-accurate” stuff, you can submit a 100-word statement that explains the reasons or the situation causing the “bad stuff” on your report. This won’t affect your score plus or minus, but it will let the lenders read your level of view as they look at your negative data.
STEP TWO - if you do find a mistake, you will need to fill out a form that should come with the report. You are now going to “Dispute the Mistake”.
Clearly identify each mistake in your report and explain clearly why it's not accurately being reported. Be sure to include your full name, your middle name, address, date of birth and Social Security number. Make certain to identify whether you are a junior or older (Jr./Sr.).
It is best to send photo copies of any documents, paperwork, or pictures which support or validate your case.
Document EVERYTHING!
In fact, I would recommend that you have your mail sent with a “certified return receipt” for verification that the package has been delivered and received.
The credit bureau MUST investigate any applicable dispute within 30 days of receiving your letter. Any item that is not verified as accurate by a creditor is then removed.
Boosting your credit scores needs to be a necessary part of your financial plan, so, be patient. Seek out professional council if necessitated. Stick with it and don’t give up. And ultimately, Prosper With Excellent Credit Scores.
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