How to Fix your Credit Score for Free

Our credit score dictates how much you can borrow money and whether you can qualify for credit cards. If you have good credit, you can get something you want, such as a house, a new car, or credit. A lot of things can change your fico score all of a sudden.

Late payments, losing a job, or having long-term health conditions are all ways that hurt your credit score. Credit may include things as simple as renting an apartment or home.     

Poor credit can undoubtedly become a serious issue if you ignore it. However, there are positive steps you can take to change your credit history and credit score. You cannot fix what you don’t acknowledge. OK, let’s admit it; you owe people money! Now that it is out, let’s look at how to fix your credit.

Request a Copy of Your Credit File

Get a copy of your credit report.  You would be surprised how often the national credit bureau has listed inaccurate information. To report errors, write to the credit bureau to challenge the error and request they remove it. Make sure to submit proof of the error with payment receipts, canceled checks, etc., as proof of your payment history. You can also contact the original creditor, and they can handle the issue and contact the bureau for you.

Make A Deal Pay Off Card Debt

Once you have a copy of your credit reports from all three agencies, compare the information. If you find mistakes, report them to the bureau to be removed. 

Bring any Delinquent Accounts Up to Date   

An account that is thirty days late will affect your credit score. Contact the collections agency, and if you ultimately pay off the debt, ask them to remove it from your credit report. If they agree, get it in writing and pay the debt. Additionally, collection agencies will accept a portion of your debt and make it paid in full. The condition is you have to make that payment immediately.

Dealing with Medical Bills

You may need better credit because of late medical bill payments. Medical debt may not have the same negative impact as not paying credit cards on time. However, working with your hospital concerning your debts and paying those bills is crucial. Hospitals are very motivated to work with you if you have unpaid bills. Pay attention to the accounts, but contact the hospital and arrange to pay something each month. 

Ask for a Payment Reduction

Ask what the minimum amount you can pay to keep your account open and keep that agreement is. Even if it is $25, pay it on time religiously and prevent that debt from going into collection. You may be eligible for assistance with paying your bills.

Tip of the Day: Get a free copy of your credit report and score from CreditKarma.com

Keep Track of Old Debt

When you default on a bill that goes to the bureau, these delinquent credit accounts remain on your credit report for seven years.  This cab happens even once you have paid it off. Please keep a copy of that debt and the date it appears on your credit report.

Collection Agencies as Sneaky

Collections agencies can sell you debt or re-age it when a new collection agency buys your debt, which becomes like a new debt, even if the original debt is five years old. You do not want this to happen.

If you don’t notice this change of collection agencies, you will have to wait another seven years for your credit to fall off. Refrain from contacting the collection company about this debt. If you have a six-year-old or less obligation, let it fall off. When that debt falls off, that debt no longer remains on your record. Debts that fall off help improve your credit score.

Get a Secured Credit Card

Why should you get a secured credit card?  A secured card is good for establishing new credit and letting the banks see you are redeeming yourself and becoming financially responsible. This card is only to be used to improve your credit.

How to get a Secured Credit Card

• Go to your bank to set up an account
• Decide how much you want on the credit card
• Deposit that amount of money in your bank account

Please do not use it for anything other than a tool to re-establish credit. Only use about 10% of the card’s value. If your secured credit card is for 200, only put $20 a month on the card. Make bill payments on time and stay within your credit limits. The banks will report this to the credit bureaus positively.

 Don’t Apply for Additional Credit

Each time to apply for new credit, it affects your credit score. So, only apply for new accounts at department stores, gas, or furniture store credit card, once your credit score is much improved.

Let’s Recap how to Fix your Credit Score

• Get a copy of your credit reports
• Have mistakes removed from your report
• Contact your creditors before your account are delinquent
• Let old debt fall off
• Get a secured credit card
• Pay off credit balances
• Pay bills on time
• Be careful of your credit utilization – use 10% of your secured credit card.
• Don’t apply for new credit.  

WARNING: Be careful when choosing a credit repair agency.  If you need assistance restoring credit, go to government-approved counseling agencies.

Other Information on Credit

How to Rent with Bad Credit

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