So you've made some credit mistakes. And now that you are older and wiser, you are ready for the mortgage, or your first car, or your first credit card. But oops! You can't seem to get approved because of a bad credit score. It's a classic tale! But, no worries, there are some simple ways to improve your credit score quickly!
1. FIX YOUR REPORT
Do you even know your score? You can't improve what you can't count. The first step is to pull your credit report and study it. There may be some errors on your report that are negatively affecting it. Fix them! Call the loan companies that are claiming late or faulty payments and ask them to correct the mistake. It is one of the quickest and most effective ways to improve your score drastically.
2. NEGOTIATE WITH COLLECTORS
Identify any debt that has been sent to a collection agency. Once a debt has gone to collections, it severely impacts your credit rating. If there are any such bills on your report, call the agency and ask them if they would erase the blip on your report if you pay them in full. Most of the time, they are more than willing. And removing those stains on your credit report drastically improves your score.
3. INCREASE YOUR CREDIT LIMIT
Staying well below your credit limit is a great way to increase your credit rating. So, if you are at or near your credit limit, see about getting your limit increased. This is ONLY a good idea if you can be disciplined enough to not see that as available funds! The idea here is to remain far away from your ceiling - not add more credit debt to your load!
4. CONSOLIDATE SOME LOANS
If you have several small bills or loans, think about getting consolidating those loans and paying them off. Getting a quick loan at a lower interest rate than your annual credit card interest is a quick and easy way to clear some debt and rapidly increase your credit score.
Even if you have no immediate plans for a mortgage, car loan, or short term loan, keeping an eye on your credit score and making improvements where necessary is always good advice. The above tips are not only for rapid improvements, but are also great for some long term credit improvement.
