what is a good way to raise my credit score?

Public Comments

1. Pay your bills on time. Don't carry a balance on your credit cards.
2. -pay all bills on time -keep balances low or at zero on accounts -if you have a thin credit file (1 - 3 tradelines) apply for new credit (credit card, installment) -remove (delete) or pay off bad derogatory accounts
3. Pay off any loans in collection ASAP Pay off credit cards Pay ALL bills on time everytime (set up automatic payments where possible) Get rid of all debt possible except your house if you own a house.
4. Paying your bills on time is critical. Each time you pay a bill you get a satisfactory points added on your credit bureau report. If you do have multiple credit cards, try to combine them under 1 credit card with the lowest interest rate. If your credit score is not high enough to get a credit card, apply for a secured credit card where the bank can use your money as a colletaral and give you a credit card so you can spend and pay it off on time. Every on-time payments is going to increase your credit score which you can see the difference in 6 months. BTW each time, you apply for a credit product such as loans, lines or c. cards, it's an inquiry which is going to cost you 1 credit point. Good Luck
5. That depends on why it is low. Make your payments on time, all the time. If you have a lot of credit cards and they are all charged to the max - that's bad. Credit cards with high limits, that have low balances are best. Don't have too many credit cards. It's not just credit card debt - do you have a car loan? Your credit report should have both credit card loans and installment loans to show that you can handle different types of debt.