How do you raise your credit score after delinquent debt has been cleared?

The only item on my credit is a collection for $165. However, my credit score is 597.

Public Comments

1. Keep applying for credit and paying it on time or early, so that you have lots of good things on your credit report.
2. Get credit from places that approve just about anyone. Interest is bankrupting but smart is pay as you go. Pay monthly off.
3. d same question already one prson has asked .............time only knows
4. Best way to build your credit is to open a secured credit card or secured loan, which is basically borrowing from yourself. You usually have to put 5% more that the credit limit. Check with a credit union for these products. By using a loan/card such as this, you will build positive credit history, by paying on time, and would not further lower your score by applying and getting denied for unsecured credit, or by getting approved for an outrageous card with high fees, or high rates.
5. Pay off the $165 and have the collection agency write that you paid it off... Try to get a gas card and pay it off in full every month and make sure there aren't annual fees or forced finance charges. You may also want to try to get a store credit card and pay it off in full every month. Try not to use more than 25% of available credit and DON'T OPEN A BUNCH OF ACCOUNTS AT ONCE... it makes lenders worry that you're going to go on a spending spree, especially if you haven't proven yourself yet. (10% of the FICO score is based on "new credit" but 75% is based on a combination of how timely your payments are and your debt-to-available credit ratio).
6. First, pay the $165.00 then as find a secured credit card with a low balance say around $250.00 start making some small purchases and paying your bill on time! Just like anything Credit takes time to build, however it takes no time to tear it down. If you want to learn how to repair your credit then visit http://www.thecreditrepairmanual.com
7. You could also try a credit repair company to help build your credit back up. They can be a little pricey, but it's helpful in the long run, & especially if you need to repair your credit quickly. This site is helpful. http://creditrepair.divinfo.com/ Good luck!