Having negative credit can bring negative reactions from companies that you might encounter in the future. Having poor credit like this can affect what you do, along with your future, unfortunately. However, you can take steps towards credit improvement, in which case, more doors will open, instead of close. Using these tips will help.
If you can’t get a normal card due to low credit score, look into a secured card. Most likely, you will not have a problem obtaining this type of card, but you must add funds to the account before you make any purchases to assure the bank that you will pay. Limited spending and regular payments can turn a new credit account into a valuable credit score repair tool.
If you have a card that carries a balance of over 50% of the limit, you should pay it down to below 50%. If you owe more than half of your credit limit on any credit card, this will have a negative impact on your rating. Plan to pay down that card as soon as possible, or see about transferring some of that debt.
Installment Account
Try an installment account to get a better credit score and make some money. You have to keep a monthly minimum on an installment account, so make sure you open an account that you can afford. If these accounts are properly managed, they can provide a quick boost to your credit score.
Negative-but-correct information cannot be removed from your credit report, so be wary of promises from unscrupulous companies who promise to remove it from the credit reporting agencies. Unfortunately, this negative information stays on your credit record for at least seven years. Incorrect information may be erased though.
You need to work with the companies from whom you have credit cards. This will help you stabilize your situation and start working towards a better financial situation. Talk to your credit card company about changing the terms of your monthly payment.
Consumers should carefully research credit counseling agencies before choosing one with which to work. While there are lots of counselors with your best interest at heart, there are others who just want your money. Some are simply fraudulent and are out to get your money. Consumers should always check to see if a credit counselor is not a scam before deciding to use them.
Credit Score
Find out how your debt settlement contract will make your credit score look. Some agreements won’t hurt you as much as others. This is why you should research all of the available ones for you before signing an agreement. They do not care about the effects of what they do to your credit score and are just in it for the money.
If getting a new line of credit is vital to your credit restoration efforts, look into joining a credit union. These credit unions can probably give you better credit options in the long run.
Dispute every error you identify on your credit report. Compose a letter of dispute to every agency that reported errors, and include as much documentation as you can. Include a request for a return receipt with the dispute package so that you can prove it was received by the appropriate agency.
Make sure to review your credit card statement monthly to make sure there are no errors. Should there be any mistakes, contact the company and talk to them to avoid being reported to the credit companies.
Many times you and your creditor can work together to come up with a prepayment plan. If so, be sure you get a written agreement stating the terms. This will provide proof of your agreement in case any problems ever arise. When you pay it off, send a written copy of proof of payment to all three credit reporting agencies.
Lower the debt on revolving credit accounts, like store and credit cards, first. Lowering your balances is one way to get a better credit score. The FICO system notes when balances are at 100, 80, 60, 40 and 20 percent of your total credit available.
Credit Restoration
Make sure a credit restoration agency is legitimate before choosing to work with them. The industry unfortunately has some agencies that fall short on their credit restoration promises. There are numerous people that have been the victims of credit improvement scams. Reading unbiased customer reviews will help you decide what company you want to work with.
Overwhelming issues occur when you have multiple debts you can’t pay. Spread your money among your creditors so that they each get a part of what funds are available. Paying each creditor something, even less than the minimum payment due, can usually appease your creditors enough that they will not turn your accounts over to collection agencies.
Good credit starts with rebuilding. Prepaid credit cards make for a simple way to build up your credit, because there’s no risk of late payments or over drafting which can cause negative marks on your score. This shows lenders that making payments is a priority for you, and that they should lend to you.
When you create a new credit source, your score decreases. When offered large discounts or incentives for opening a new credit card, politely reject the offer. Your credit score will lose points every time you apply for, or are offered, new credit.
Keep opening doors one by one by repairing bad credit. Take comfort in the fact that you do have no-cost options to repair your credit; all it takes is a little bit of footwork to get it done. Apply what you have learned from this article, and begin your journey toward better credit.