Improve Your Credit Score
Suggestions on what you can do right now
A credit score reflects credit payment patterns over time, with more emphasis on recent information. Ways to improve a credit score generally include the following:
• Pay your bills on time. Delinquent payments and collections can have a major negative impact.
• Keep balances low on credit cards and other "revolving credit." High outstanding debt can affect a credit score.
• Apply for and open new credit accounts only as needed. Don’t open accounts just to have a better credit mix. It probably won’t improve your credit score.
• Pay off debt rather than moving it around. Also, don’t close unused cards as a short-term strategy to improve your credit score. Owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your credit score.