Requesting and checking your credit report won't affect your score. Immediately fix inaccuracies, if there's any. Errors not cleared up can be very damaging to your score.  You should check your report annually and can get free reports to do so.

 

7. Longer credit history means higher scores.

 

Almost 15% of your total credit score will be based on the length of your credit history. A limited credit history will not give your creditors enough background to mull over whether to grant credit or not. The longer you've had credit, the more points you get.

 

8. If something bad happens, contact your creditor immediately.

 

Sometimes things may just get out of hand beyond your control such as job loss and emergencies. Try to contact your creditors immediately and ask them to lower your credit limit but leave the accounts open. If you have some missed payments, make some arrangements and stick to the schedule. In this way, you'll still be able to manage your debts, and at the same time maintain a good score.

 

9. If you had bad credit in the past, start out with a secured credit card.

 

Having bad credit is not so bad at all, and everybody deserves a second chance. Try to improve your credit score by using a secured credit card instead. It is a good way of re-establishing your credit history.

 

10. By all means, never go for bankruptcy.

 

Bankruptcy cases may help in the short run but will stay on your credit report for 10 years and ruin your credit score for that amount of time.  However, if you have no other option and bankruptcy is your last resort, so be it. But remember to check on the time frame. The clock starts running from the time you filed your bankruptcy petition. If it has already been 10 complete years, then get in touch with a consumer-reporting agency and immediately request for removal of the information from your credit report.

 

If you adhere to these strategies, your credit score is likely to perk up. Managing your debts well will give you a good credit score. You're likely to qualify for better mortgage and credit options in the future.

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