Things You'll Need:
- Social security aumber
- Computer with Internet access
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Step 1
Download a copy of your credit report and credit score online. While you may receive one free credit report each year from each of the three main credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian), you will generally have to pay a small fee to see your credit score.
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Step 2
Analyze your FICO score. Experts disagree on the preciseness of credit scores, which can vary from about 300 to 850. The higher the number, the better. Scores above 730 are considered good, and those above 770 are very good. According to Fair Isaac, the median credit score in the United States is 723. A score below 650 will make it more difficult to get loans and the best interest rates, while anything less than 600 means you have some credit problems and most lenders will consider you a high risk borrower.
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Step 3
Check your credit report for errors. For example, if your credit card account is current but the report says you're 60 days behind, or a paid judgment is listed as still being owed, you have errors that need to be addressed to boost your FICO score.
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Step 4
Take action to correct any errors on your report. The credit report should have instructions for disputing an error and you can also contact your account holders directly to inform them of an error in their reporting.
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Step 5
Make sure you have enough credit accounts. Sometimes, people have low scores because they don't have enough credit history or accounts. Take out a small loan or open and use a credit card for a few purchases each month to build up your credit.
