Let me first start off this piece by stating that I am no financial expert. If you want professional help on how to specifically improve your credit score, please seek a specialist. Since I recently purchased my first home, I felt compelled to share some tips and advice on how to improve credit scores that I received from professionals.
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The first step to improving your credit score is to know what it is.
Honestly, before purchasing my first home I had no idea what my credit report looked like. But it is crucial for you to know where you are before you can know how to improve.
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Knowing your credit score will give a benchmark for improvement.
The next step will be to pay down or off your credit card debt. Paying down or off revolving debt looks better on your credit report.
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In addition to paying down that credit card debt, mind your balances.
Be sure to keep the balance at least 30% or less of your credit card limit. Having high balances, even with regular payments, does not help your final number.
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When you want to establish good credit, don’t forget to use older credit cards.
The longer the history with a credit card, the better it will be for your credit score as it will help lenders to view you less risky compared to borrowers with short credit histories.
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Finally, make sure that you check everything noted on your report.
If there are incorrect reports, from companies you don’t recognize, check them out. If the credit limits on your credit cards are in correct, follow up and make sure they are reported correctly. You do not want any discrepancies on your report as they too can alter the credit score you receive.
