How To Strengthen Your Credit Score

Request a copy of your credit report from the three national credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and Transunion—by logging onto annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228. You are entitled to one free copy of each annually.

If your score is below 620, you are considered a poor risk. Carefully review your credit reports for any mistakes.

If you find mistakes, or if you think you are the victim of identity theft, immediately report the errors to the credit reporting agencies listing them with any evidence you have, like cancelled checks to show you paid a credit card bill on time.

Pay down as much debt as possible. It’s the fastest way to raise your credit score.

Don’t apply for unnecessary lines of credit, like store accounts that offer merchandise discounts. Every time you fill out a credit application, your score can be lowered.

Negotiate with creditors. Ask if there is any wiggle room regarding late fees and interest. Often, they will work with you to keep you as a customer.

Once your debt is cleared up, stay out of trouble by preparing a budget and sticking to it.