If your credit report contains inaccurate information then it will negatively affect your credit score, making it difficult to get any lenders to work with you. Do-it-yourself credit score repair is the best way to get your credit report back on the right track. These tips will help you fix your credit.
If you have to improve your credit, make a solid plan and follow it. However, if you are not prepared to alter bad habits regarding your spending, nothing will ever change. Purchase nothing but the essentials. Before you open your wallet ask the questions „do I need this?” and „can I afford this?” If the answer is no to either, put it back on the shelf.
If you have credit cards with a utilization level over 50%, then pay them down until they are below 50% utilization. Your credit score can be negatively impacted if you are carrying a large balance compared to the available credit you have. While you are paying off these cards, reduce the balance to a small percentage of your available limit.
Interest Rates
If you find that you have a credit card and the interest rate has gotten to high, you do have the option to not pay the debt, though there will be consequences. There are laws that protect you from creditors that charge exorbitant interest rates. Keep in mind that you did sign a contract agreeing that interest rates were acceptable. You can consider suing your creditors if the interest rates are outrageously high.
Legitimate negative credit problems can not be easily wiped away from your credit rating, so be wary of companies that promise they can do so. Unfortunately, negative marks will stay on your record for seven years. Items that you can get taken off your record are those that have been reported incorrectly or unfairly.
Credit Counselors
Make sure you do your research before deciding to go with a particular credit counselor. There are a lot of unscrupulous agencies scattered in among the few legitimate credit counselors that are really there to help you. Some credit services are nothing more than fly-by-night scams. A wise consumer will find out if the credit counselors they deal with are legitimate or not.
Make sure to have as low as possible of a credit line available to you. It will help to keep spending under control, and also sends a positive message to potential lenders. This means you might have a better opportunity of obtaining necessary loans in the future.
When attempting to improve your credit, you should go over any negative marks with a fine tooth comb. The debt itself may be legitimate, but if you find errors in its metadata (e.g. the date, amount, creditor name), you might be able to get the whole entry deleted.
If you notice credit reporting errors, always file a dispute. Write a dispute letter to any agencies with recorded errors, and include supporting documents. Make sure that you ask for a return receipt so that you know your letter makes it to its intended destination.
If at all possible, avoid filing bankruptcy. Bankruptcies appear on credit reports for ten years. It might seem like a good thing but you will be affected down the line. It may be impossible for you to get a loan or credit card in the future if you file for bankruptcy.
It is important to read all credit card statements you receive. You should make sure that the charges that you get are right, and that you’re not paying for items you did not buy. You need to be sure that everything is correct on the statements.
Credit Score
Lowering the balances on revolving accounts can help you to get a better credit score. Your credit score can be raised if you lower your balances. The FICO system makes a note when your balances are at 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 percent of your available credit.
Do not trust anyone who promises you miracle results. Because so many people are experiencing credit problems due to the economy, shady lawyers that advertise useless, possibly illegal credit score repair services have appeared. Prior to contacting any lawyer for help fixing your credit, investigate him or her thoroughly.
Credit Rating
As this article shows, there are many alternatives that you can use to boost your credit rating and get back on track. You will see your credit rating go up if you follow these tips. A better credit score is within your reach.