-
Step 1
Paying bills on time will show lenders you are responsible and can meet your financial obligations. This will ultimately improve your credit score.
-
Step 2
Even if you can’t pay your debt all at once, pay it down as quickly as possible to help raise your credit score.
-
Step 3
Check your credit report frequently. Look for such errors as closed accounts listed as open and up-to-date accounts listed as late. Look for inaccuracies such as a misspelled name or wrong address.
-
Step 4
When you find an inaccuracy on your credit report, immediately contact the three main credit bureaus–TransUnion, Experian and Equifax–and dispute the information.
-
Step 5
Ensure accounts you have closed are listed as “closed by consumer.”
-
Step 6
Apply for a small loan with a co-signer. Make your payments for the loan on time each month, which will allow you to rebuild poor credit and raise your credit score.
-
Step 7
Pay off overdue accounts as soon as possible.
-
Step 8
Even after you’ve raised your credit score, continue to follow your good habits so you don’t have to deal with bad credit again in the future.
