15 Ways to Establish and Improve Your Credit History and FICO Score
Posted on Tue, 5th February, 2008 by Jeremy (61) Comments
Learn How to Improve Your Credit Score With a Few Simple Tips
Do you need to improve your credit history? If you’re like the majority of Americans, the answer is yes. According to FICO, 60% of all people have a credit score less than 750. This means there is plenty of room for improvement for many people. There are many methods to check your FICO Score and Report.While you can’t simply fix your credit history overnight, there are many things you can do to begin building a more positive credit history. Here are 15 steps you can take:
1. Pay Your Bills on Time
This one is probably quite obvious, but it has to be mentioned right out of the gate. The single greatest factor that determines your credit score is your payment history. If you pay on time and continue to do so for years, this will lay a solid credit foundation. One thing you do have to keep in mind is that this goes beyond just paying your credit card, mortgage, or car loans on time. Even things such as utility bills, cell phone, rent, and so on will likely be reported if late. While these types of accounts don’t generally show up on your credit report if you’re in good standing, they usually will still show up as a blemish if you’re late (usually after 30 days late).
2. Don’t Bounce Checks
What does bouncing a check have to do with your credit history? On the surface, it seems like an innocent bounced check wouldn’t be of much concern other than the overdraft fee, but it can adversely affect your credit history. While your overdraft may not show up on your credit report, most banks have their own system to track customers with bad finance habits. It is called ChexSystems, and if you don’t think it will show up the next time you’re looking for an auto loan or mortgage through a bank or credit union, think again.
3. Start Small
If you have a limited or poor credit history, the likelihood of being approved for a large amount is slim. Without a proven credit record, most lenders won’t be willing to extend significant amounts, so it is in your favor to start with smaller requests. A lender would like to see that you are financially responsible with a relatively small amount before taking on more risk with a larger sum. Sometimes you have to crawl before you can walk, but even a good payment history with small amounts can go a long way towards proving you are responsible over the long run.
4. Visit Local Lenders
A local lender may be more willing to extend credit to you than a large national chain. In many cases with the large chains, your Social Security number simply gets run through a computer that checks your credit information and automatically approves or denies your application. When you work with a small and local institution, the decision may be based on more than a simple computer calculation. They may know you personally, know your employer or family, and this can potentially lead to an approval.
5. Apply for a Secured Credit Card
If you are having a hard time getting approved for any standard credit card, you may want to consider opening a secured card. To establish a secured credit card, you typically have to keep a deposit with the bank that can cover the charges you make on the card. This works as collateral just as a home or vehicle would be on a mortgage or loan. While it won’t quickly improve your credit history, it will begin to show that you are financially responsible and lead to possibly getting approved for other loans or credit cards to further build your credit.
6. Apply for a Small Loan or Credit Card with a Co-Signer
If you’re unable to get approved for a loan or card by yourself, you may consider applying with a co-signer. This is different than just adding an authorized user as it an actual joint account. Use this as a last resort and keep the limit small, but if you maintain a positive repayment history on this account, it will help you begin to establish and improve your credit history.
7. Review Your Credit Report Once a year
When you know you have bad credit, one of the last things in the world you feel like doing is pulling your credit report just to be reminded of it, but it is still important to check it annually. The information is usually accurate, but mistakes do happen on occasion, and even worse, you may notice fraudulent activity. It is in your best interest to correct these issues sooner rather than later. If too much time passes before you try to resolve an issue, it may be too late, and that inaccurate mark won’t disappear for seven years.
8. Review Your Credit Report a Few Months Before Requesting a Major Loan
When you’re thinking about applying for an auto loan or a home mortgage, make sure you give your credit report a once over a few months before going into the application process. This will give you a head’s up on any potential inaccuracies so that you can have them resolved before going into the loan, or at least help you be prepared to explain to the lender why an item is on your report and whether or not it is being resolved. The lender is certainly going to pull your report, so the last thing you want to do is go in uninformed and possibly face a surprise.
9. Avoid Letting Accounts be Turned Over to a Collection Agency
If you thought a few late payments to your lenders was bad, you don’t want to entertain the idea of letting your accounts go to collections. The last thing a lender wants is to turn over an account to a collection agency because they will only recover a fraction of the outstanding debt even if you pay the collection agency in full. Since the lender doesn’t want to turn you over to collections, it is in your best interest to work with the lender directly when problems arise. If you’re already late and foresee a problem of getting your account current, give them a call and see if they will work with you. In most cases they will work to develop a more reasonable payment plan so that this can be avoided.
10. Avoid Having Judgments Filed Against You
Being dragged into court faced with a judgment against your debt is clearly not a position you want to be in. Unfortunately, if you fail to repay a debt, this is a very real possibility. Just like with collection agencies, even if you pay what the court says you owe, the judgment will stay on your credit report for seven years. This will not help your chances of getting approved for a credit card or loans. Again, it is in your best interest to work with your lender at the first sign of a problem to avoid this from happening.
11. When Denied Credit, Review Your Credit Report
When you’re denied a loan or credit, the lender is required to offer you a copy of your credit report at no cost. While they may give a brief explanation as to why you were denied, this is a good time to pull your report and find out exactly what they saw. It could be a legitimate problem with your history, but you also want to keep an eye out for something out of the ordinary if this denial came as a surprise.
12. Try to Avoid Constantly Switching Employers
Understandably, this isn’t always possible, but if you have the option and ability to remain at an employer you should do so if you’re seeking credit. Lenders like to see stability in employment as stable income means you’ll have a better chance of making good on your payments. Once you’ve been with an employer for about five years, this really begins to improve your chances with lenders. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should stay at a dead-end job just for the sake of your credit score, but you do need to be conscious of the fact that this does play a role in your chances in being approved.
13. Try to Avoid Frequent Changes in Residence
Just like constantly moving from job to job, lenders like to see stability in residence. If you’re renting a new place every year, the lender will wonder why you need to keep moving. Lenders also look favorably upon homeowners, so if you currently do own a home, this can also help.
14. Work to Increase Your Income
Easier said than done, but your debt-to-income ratio is quite important when it comes to getting approved or not. In addition to the actual ratio, lenders like to see regular increases in your income. Whether this is through annual raises or occasional bonuses, this can help your chances of getting approved. Also, if you are expecting a bonus sometime shortly after applying for a loan, bring this up to your lender. Knowing that you’ll be receiving additional income can be a deciding factor if you are on the line of being approved or not.
15. Work to Decrease Your Debt
The debt-to-income ratio can be improved by decreasing outstanding debt. The more income you have relative to your debt, the better. So that means if you can’t easily increase your income, you can achieve the same results by decreasing your debt. If you continue to use credit cards while paying them off, your amount of debt relative to your income won’t improve. On the other hand, if you can show that you have consistently been reducing your overall debt for a period of time, this can look as good as showing regularly increasing income.
Remember, It Takes Time
It can be frustrating, but working to establish or improve your credit history takes time. There isn’t an overnight solution, so you have to approach this as a long-term goal. If you’re just beginning to establish credit for the first time, take things slow and begin by opening a few small accounts. With these initial accounts, make sure you use the credit wisely and develop sound habits. It won’t be long and you’ll be on your way to building a great credit history.
If you already have a credit history but it has been damaged by something mentioned above, don’t despair. While you won’t be able to increase your score 200 points in the span of a a couple months, following the suggestions above will put you on the right track to begin increasing your score. But whatever the situation, it is important to monitor Your FICO® score & Equifax credit report.
Thank you for the great FICO boosting tips! Paying your credit bills on time is the easiest way to keep a good score.
Like you said, I think it’s important to remember that it will take some time. It’s easy to get frustrated since it’s not a quick fix, but if you keep at it, it’ll happen.
I tried to get a credit increase on my credit card and was declined. I only have $1000 limit, which is really small. How do you check your credit score after being declined? They don’t make it easy, I got a letter but it didn’t clearly explain it.
Great post. Also, taking a credit card with a high interest rate (since they are fairly easy to get), and keeping your balance low and paid off – using it in very small measure – can also help.
Jeremy,
If you are denied credit or a loan and receive one of the letters, scour the fine print for a mailing address or phone number. Like you said, they don’t make it very clear how to go about it, and it certainly isn’t as easy as going to a website and pulling it. More than likely you have to send a letter (preferably with a copy of the letter you received) and state you’d like to receive a copy.
And Working Dollar, that is a great point. Should probably make that one number 16. For those who are trying to establish credit or have some damaged credit, getting the most attractive rates or cards is probably not going to happen. So, if you target cards that maybe aren’t as good, you will have a better chance in getting accepted. And as long as you use it very carefully, it can be the first step needed to help you in the future. Thanks for bringing that up.
I recommend getting your credit report at least once a year whether you have poor credit or not. It is good to make sure nothing is going on it that shouldn’t be.
Thanks for the comprehensive list.
Bank of America has a service called Privacy Assist, which gives a 30 day free trial, and includes your credit reports scores for the three major reporting agencies. This is the first time I’ve been able to get the actual credit scores for free.
If you’re denied credit, employment, or any other benefit based on adverse information in your credit report, you can get a copy for free from the three major credit bureaus.
Yes, you can do this by mail and pray that the blue snails don’t lose something. But you can also do it online. This is much faster, much easier, and if there are items you want to dispute, you can begin the process within minutes after you get declined, instead of waiting weeks for round-trip snail mail.
Just make sure you’re actually going to the credit bureaus’ web sites, rather than some online phishing scam.
Thank you for the great FICO tips.The 15Ways which are given by you helps and Improve my on Credit History and FICO Score .
What online site do you suggest to obtain a credit score?
Jane, you can get a copy of your credit report for free at http://www.annualcreditreport.com
If you want to know your actual FICO score, you’re typically going to have to pay. I would recommend the FICO Standard at myFICO. It lets you pick a score from one of the three bureaus and only costs $15.95.
They are a division of Fair Issac, and you won’t be tricked or automatically enrolled into any expensive monitoring program that a lot of other sites try to do.
Is it true that when paying off a credit card debt, that the payments should be broken up into smaller amounts. For example, instead of paying $1200 right now, I should make $200 payments every 2-3 weeks.
Which is a better option when paying off a credit card and trying to improve your credit score?
Well, the reason you hear so much about breaking payments down into regular smaller installments is that it is easier for most people to make payments that way. People can usually part with smaller amounts of money more frequently than making a lump sum.
So, both methods will work, and paying off in lump sums if you have the money available can actually help you save a little bit of money. Taking large chunks off the balance will reduce a little of the interest that is calculated in the coming months. While it won’t usually make a lot of difference, it can help slightly.
Excellent webpage! Have it a thumbs up with stumble and I Digged It too! Very informative and helpful about credit!
On that same subject I’d want to tell everyone about a company called Credit Assistance Network (in Florida) to help me improve my credit scores. They were great. They didn’t remove everything negative but they did remove most of it. Even more importantly they gave me excellent advice to help me build my credit scores.
The website can be found
https://expert-credit-advice.com.
They did such a great job that I promised them I would tell everyone about them. Tell them Jim from Ohio recommended them!
You can sign up here: https://expert-credit-advice.com/agreement.pdf
Thanks, People can usually part with smaller amounts of money more frequently than making a lump sum.
I’d like to see a list of a number of ways to eradicate and eliminate credit history. And I don’t mean repair a bad credit history with a good one. I mean shrinking and vanishing one’s credit history, whether good or bad.
I think #1 is probably the most important of all of those. Late payments and non payments kill your credit.
Thank you for all the tips. It was such a great article. I personally think credit score charts are dead useful because we will need them when applying for bank loans even payday loans.
Everyone reading this, should definitely be checking their credit report at least once a year. It is often an easy way to spot identity theft. Also, if there are mistakes you will want to start working immediately to get them cleared up.
Thank you for this! It was very helpful and useful. We are looking into buying a home in a few months and want our credit to be as good as possible. No credit cards for us though!!! You should stress (and I know you make it clear, but really some people may need to be told again) that credit cards are not for everyone. It is not free money
So if they lack discipline, they should stay away.
I am always reminded of that SNL skit “Don’t Buy Things You Can’t Afford.” So funny and useful…. and it makes so much sense. This could help improve your credit tremendously.
I am trying to improve my score to buy a car in the next 6 months. I just used one of the online credit report services to get my scores for free during the trial period was had great success. I have been trying to improve my credit score from a 610 in 4/07 when i bought my house with a cosigner. It is now a 675 with a good payment history for the last 2+ years but using 80%+ available credit lines on two credit cards. All of the credit cards are still open and have had many inquires because of the new credit cards with lower rates, the house and other things. I am currently paying off the cards, 8k, in a short amount of time. After my tax return my balances will be paid off by the end of March. How much do you think my credit score could increase? 720? And how soon could it increase? 2-3 Months?
I really don’t understand credit. I have a few credit cards that have low balances and are paid off every month. I have a mortgage that is paid on time. Nothing is ever paid late. No judgements, no late pays but can’t get my report above 715.
the comment about the Bank of America privacy assist is TRUE and really bennifical. Anyone concerned about there credit should sign up! This website also serves as a great foundation to improving your score
My credit score is horrible and I want to improve it. Having no paper checks and setting up payments automatically on-line has really helped me with my problem. Can anybody suggest a good secured credit card? I received an offer in the mail for one but the money I would have to pay them for a tiny bit of credit was not acceptable. I am willing to pay money in advance but not give so much to the bank issuing the credit card. Thanks for all the tips.
The information you provided on how to establish and improve credit history and FICO score is quite useful. Thanks for the knowledge you have shared.
This is a reply to Dawn’s comment.
I did some really stupid things when it came to my credit. I’ve finally paid off all my debt. In the process of reaching this goal I did a lot of studying on the credit reporting process, how to improve a score, etc. Through this I learned one BIG thing, FICO is not setup to benefit you. It’s a system that is created to allow the banking industry to ask for a higher interest. Why do you think most companies only report when somebody paid late? Companies and banks can report good behavior, but they rarely do. Why does it take 7 years to remove a blemish that only took 30 days to create? So, you wonder why you can’t get your score above 715, well, it’s because the system wants to make it extremely hard for you. The system doesn’t want a perfect credit individual. A “theoretical” perfect credit consumer doesn’t make anyone money…on the bank side.
Now, the advice from the this article is really good. I’m not discrediting anything that has been said here. I’m just injecting a truth few people seem to think about.
John,
You hit the nail on the head. The entire credit report/history system is built to give lenders the opportunity to charge the maximum interest rate to their customers. It’s laughable when creditors such as car finance companies offer cars at 0% interest. I wonder what percentage of America’s car buyers qualify. I know I don’t.
Furthermore, this system (interest terms based on credit history)is spreading to other countries. The influence of America cannot be overstated. All over the world, we are seeing an increase in credit, and thereby an increase in debt. Of course, it’s human nature to spend money, and indeed lust for more money but if you note carefully you’ll see that the major financial companies typically have a presence all over the world. Their power is frightening and as an individual one can’t help feeling overwhelmed.
Everyone should be aware of “The Game”. Unlike Vegas, where we know we’re playing against the house but receiving entertainment in return, here we’re enduring sleepless nights. This game is no fun.
I have no credit score at all. How long does it take to get one? I have been in the US for 5 months and have had a secured credit card for 4 months.
I really resent having to give the credit card company my own money as colateral.
I have also had to resort to giving a bank some money which they then `lent’ back to me, and then I pay installments off each month. It’s just a ridiculous charade, all for the benefit of the banks and credit reporting agencies!
I have over 20 years of credit history in the UK, but the credit reporting agencies don’t seem to want to report to themselves (Experian and Equifax are dominant in the UK).
Wow, I literally did everything wrong. Or at least 90%. :-/ I really do want to improve my credit but I can see it’s going to take a loooong time. I’ve moved a lot in the past and have been sent to collections more than once. The situation was beyond my control but that’s life sometimes.
It’s not impossible I know but going from the 500s to 700 seems awfully daunting.
I want a new house, I just graduated from school as a RN and making good money but my credit is bad. when I went to inquire about the house they said my score have to be atleast 550, but its under that. I want to buy my home atleast within the next 8-12months. If I pay off my debt, do you think my scrore would increase by then? its 515.
Nice articles and great advice. Thank you.
Credit score is a very important element for you for your present and future credit needs. Whether you need money for investing or for some personal use, your credit score can make or break it.
money
My credit has gone down a lot due to a divorce 5 years ago, and resulted in a lot of my creditors being sold to collections agencies. Although some of the accounts were settled through collection agencies, it didn’t help much on my credit reports. I’ve been consistent and paying on time on all of the accounts I have left. However, my credit score is still extremely low and I’m wondering if the negative items will ever disappear off my credit reports.
Very valuable information in your posting.
Question, please: About 1 1/2 years ago had a credit account through a credit union and soon reached the max of $1000 and lost employment at nearly same time. Made no payments. Now employed and offered to pay the entire balance but found out the credit union had terminated my account and is not expecting, let alone demanding, payment. If I pay them anyway, will my credit rating be improved significantly? Other advice on this?
Such great advice here! I like how you touched on the subjects such as consistent employment history and residence. Many people do not realize the impact of those things on credit. Wonderful post.
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There certainly are no quick fixes in attempting to raise your credit score. The most important thing is to stay on top of things and know whats in there. There very well could be errors in your credit report due to things misrepresented, even fixing these is going to take time. In order to raise it though you have to know what’s in it for sure, as well as exactly what effects it.
One area I think that is very important to address in these times. Is to make sure that you don’t lose any of your cards. Companies are canceling cards that are not being used. This could be really damaging if its one of your oldest cards. Remember this, and just use the card every once in awhile to keep it in rotation. You need that available credit in theory at least.
Anyone who’s interested can check out my blog on how to improve your credit score at… http://www.thedebtgazette.com/2009/08/improving-credit-score/
All are the perfect ways to improve our credit score and fico score also, according to me always find some way of earning extra income is the perfect point.
The best thing to do at this point is pay the bills on time and not use credit. Basically, there were a ton of lates, and I had some go to collections. Once I started paying the bills on time and lowered the amount of credit I owed in relation to the credit I had, the score started to go up. I was able to get a home mortgage in 2003 with a 690, and since then my deliquencies started to come off of my credit. The deliquency takes up to 7 years to leave, so time is one thing that heals the most (while you are paying on-time). My credit score is now over 800.