Many people have credit scores that are less
than perfect. To date, there are over 30 million people in the U.S. alone with
severe credit blemishes. Though it is a common problem, a bad
credit score can prevent you from getting a loan or credit
card that has reasonable terms. If you need to raise your credit
score fast, here are three things to try:
Reduce the Balance on
Your credit Cards
Making installment payments on your loans can
help raise your credit score, but reducing your credit card
balances can help raise it even faster. credit card balances are
an example of a revolving account. Revolving accounts only look good if there is
a large gap between the amount of credit you are using and the available
credit limit. If possible, try to get your credit card balances
reduced to less than 30 percent of your credit limit.
Check Your
credit Card Limits
Because many credit card companies, such
as American Express and Capital One, do not officially report your credit
limit to the credit bureaus, the bureaus use your history purchases to
determine what your limit is. For example, if your credit card has a
limit of $3,500, but the most you have ever charged is $2,500 the bureau will
assume that $2,500 is your charging limit. If you have a habit of charging this
amount on your card every month, it may look like you are constantly maxing out
the card—even if you pay the balance. To remedy the situation or to quickly
raise your credit score, ask your credit card company to
update your limit information with the bureau or pay your balance before your
statement period closes.
Dispute Old Negatives
Just as you can
dispute errors on your credit report, you can also dispute negatives.
This can sometimes be the easiest way to raise your credit
score fast. Often times, collection agencies and lenders have moved your
information around so much that their records are a mess. If this is the case,
they may not bother to pursue a situation or dispute. If they no longer want to
make the effort to collect the money, the negative item can be dropped from your
report.
