How to Fix My Bad Credit

Bad credit can stand in the way of you obtaining an auto loan, credit card or mortgage. Lenders review credit reports, and if your score isn't up to their standards, they'll deny your loan request. But fortunately, there are ways to fix your bad credit and establish an excellent credit history.

Instructions

1. Order a copy of your credit report. Before you can fix your bad credit, you need to know the contents of your credit report, and you need to know the areas that need improvement. Order a free copy of your report from Annualcreditreport.com.

2. Dispute errors and look for unfamiliar accounts. Credit bureaus and creditors make mistakes; and sometimes, they'll include erroneous remarks on your report. Check your report for mistakes. Next, write the bureaus or the original creditor and have the reporting error corrected.

3. Pay past due accounts. Collection accounts and past due accounts can negatively impact your credit score. These debts will not simply disappear, and the longer they go unpaid, the more your credit score decreases. Contact these creditors and setup a new payment arrangement.

4. Submit payments on time. In addition to paying your past due accounts, it's also important to pay your current creditors on time. One late or skipped payment decreases your score. Consider automated bill pay and never submit a late payment again.

5. Reduce your debts. Paying off or completely eliminating your debts is a quick way to fix your bad credit. This increases your available credit. In turn, your credit score increases and you're able to qualify for loans and credit cards.

Resources

• Annual Credit Report