How to Obtain a Home Improvement Credit Card Easier

Home improvement credit cards can come in handy when you are upgrading a house.

Home improvement credit cards allow you to finance home projects without using your other lines of credit. Generally, home improvement cards are easier to obtain than other unsecured credit cards. The big home improvement stores and many smaller stores offer credit cards. Your neighborhood hardware store may offer a credit card. Appliance stores may offer cards as well, along with stores that install swimming pools, hot tubs and other home improvement items.

Instructions

1. Make payments to bring all your current credit accounts up to date. It will be easier for you to obtain a home improvement credit card if your credit report reflects that you are paying all your bills on time.

2. Pull your credit report for a review of your overall credit. Get a free copy of your report from the website Annual Credit Report (see Resources). The nationwide credit bureaus created the site to offer free reports as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a federal law. The website will allow you to view and print your report immediately after confirming your identity through a series of questions. Or follow instructions on the homepage to order by telephone or mail.

3. Review your credit report for any inaccurate information, such as the listing of a delinquent account that does not belong to you. It will be easier for you to obtain a home improvement card if you have negative, inaccurate information removed. Write a letter challenging any inaccurate information and mail it to the credit bureau at its address on the credit report. Federal law requires the credit bureau to correct or remove the erroneous information within about 30 days of receiving your letter. Also review your credit report for any old debts, such as charge-offs, that are still showing as due. Make payments to resolve these debts as well.

4. Apply for your home improvement card after allowing about 60 days for your credit report to be updated as a result of any payments you made.

References

• County of Los Angeles: Establishing Credit
• Suze Orman: Charge-Offs
• Bank Rate: Tips For Boosting Your Credit Score
• Federal Citizen Information Center: Choosing A Credit Card

Resources

• Annual Credit Report: Request A Report