How to Boost Your Credit Score

A good credit score can help you when taking out a loan, getting a mortgage, and in many other ways. If your credit is not yet perfect, take heart - there are things you can do to improve your credit score.

Things You'll Need

• Access to your credit report

Instructions

1. Pay your bills on time. This is an important one. If you aren't staying current on your bills, start now and pay all bills on time.

2. If you don't have a credit card and can get one, do it. Creditors look favorably on those who own credit cards and manage them responsibly.

3. Dispute any incorrect negatives on your credit history. If there is a black mark against you that isn't yours, contact the credit bureau to dispute any claims.

4. Pay down your debt. Part of a credit score is your debt to credit ratio, so lowering your debt will help improve your score.

5. Don't open too many credit card accounts. Every time you open credit card, your credit score lowers slightly, so only open cards you need.

6. Don't close your old credit card accounts. The longer you have an open account with nothing negative attached to it, the better your score will be.

Tips & Warnings

• If your credit is not good, remember that it will take time to build better credit.