Boost Your Credit Score by following 10 Simple Rules

Looking for a higher credit score? There's good reason to do so -- a higher score can give you a greater array of financial options and more favorable credit offers. Even if you already have a good score, there's always room for improvement. Keep in mind, however, that your credit score is based on your history of borrowing and repaying money, so there's no way to instantly boost it. But here are the most effective ways to strengthen your credit score over time.

Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Score

	10. Learn what your current FICO® Credit Score is and what appears on your credit report. Score Power® gives you immediate access to your credit report and includes your current FICO score.
	9. Don't open new credit cards that you don't need or most like not to get due to past credit problems. This approach could backfire and actually lower your score.
	8. Try to keep your total account balances as low as possible. High outstanding debt may negatively affect your score, as you have a greater chance of missing payments.
	7. Correct any incorrect information that might appear on your credit report.
	6. If your credit is severely damaged, or you have a very short credit history, there are still ways to improve your credit over time. Consider opening a Secured Visa or Secured MasterCard account and show how credit worthy you are over time. Building credit is not done over night and takes several months to establish good credit.
	5. If you fall behind on paying a bill because of illness, unemployment, or family issues, write a short explanation to the credit reporting agencies. They will add it to your credit report. Also, call your creditor to explain the circumstances and, if possible, work out a payment schedule you can meet.
	4. If you need help managing your credit, contact a reliable nonprofit agency, such as: Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) 1-800-388-2227 www.cccsinc.org
	3. To minimize the number of inquiries on your credit report, don't apply for multiple credit cards over a short period of time, or for a card you're not likely to get, this is a negative impact as it will appear that you are in desperate need of money or credit. Apply for new credit accounts only as needed.
	2. Make all of your payments on time. If forced to miss a payment, be sure to pay the following month. Accounts more than 60 days past due will be indicated on your credit report. And the number one way…?
	1. Continue to check your credit report regularly, correcting errors and inaccuracies that can damage your credit score. Check your Equifax Credit Report now!