5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Credit History
A credit score is a three-digit number that lenders use to determine your potential for a loan payment. If your score is high, you can qualify for a credit card with the best terms. On the other hand, if you have a low credit score, it will be hard to get a credit card with favorable conditions.
If your credit score is not where you would like it to be, you are not alone. It might take a lot of time and effort to improve your credit history, but it is possible. However, the sooner you start building your credit history, the better. So here are some strategies that you can use to improve your credit score.
Check Your Credit Score
The first thing that you should do is check your credit score. You can either do it online or through a bank. You will also get more info on the factors that are affecting your score and try to improve on them. Allow some time for any changes that you make to reflect on your credit history.
Avoid Missing Any Payment
Even if you find that you do not have money, it is advisable to make small payments and on time. Since a credit score is usually based on the payments. In case you have past due accounts, start with the most past-due, and progressively complete all your debts.
Also, you should start paying your bills on time. Since most of your history will come from payments, you have done using a credit card. So, if you have missed any payment, ensure that you clear it and stay up to date. Remember, when you pay a bill on time, there is a definite information update on your credit report.
Ask For a Higher Credit Limit
If your credit limit goes up and you are not spending the money, it lowers your credit score since you are not utilizing your credit card. In case this happens, you can visit or call your bank and ask them to increase your credit limit without affecting your credit score. But, it is always important to use your credit card so that you can have a good history.
Review of Credit Report
It is usual for errors to happen, so ensure that you evaluate your credit report carefully. You can check for any account that is not yours, any wrong account date and incorrect names, security number, address, or negative information on the report. In case you find any errors, you might be a victim of identity theft. You should close your accounts and place a fraud alert on your credit report.
Get Credit
In case you have a low score to qualify for a loan or credit card, you can get a secured credit card. Though, in secured credit, you will be required to put a deposit, which acts as your credit limit. To maximize the positive impact on your credit card, ensure that you use it more often.
Keeping in mind how a credit score is essential for your financial well-being, it is advisable to do everything within your means to ensure that it is good. Always be regularly getting more info on your credit score to know how you are doing.
