Quickly Raise Credit Score - 5 Easy Steps 

Contrary to what many consumers believe, it is possible to quickly raise credit score numbers. Here are five easy steps anyone can use to improve their credit score and obtain the credit they need.

Step One – Review Credit Reports
Each consumer in the United States is entitled to a free credit report every year. This means individuals can keep track of what their credit history looks like and determine whether they need to work to improve their credit score.

Step Two – Correct Inaccuracies on Credit Reports
Mistakes get made, even by credit reporting agencies. A consumer may review their credit report, only to discover an error. This error may be an account the consumer never opened or a delinquency report on an account that is not overdue. Regardless, it is essential that the consumer contact the creditor and get the error erased. This can quickly raise credit score numbers.

Step Three – Pay Off Delinquent Accounts
It happens to everyone. People get laid off from work, get sick and are unable to work, or simply get in over their heads financially. When things like this happen, people often fall behind on their bills. They try to keep up, but in some cases they simply have to stop making payments on a particular debt. In order to quickly raise credit score numbers, find a way to pay off that bad debt. It makes the credit report look better and helps the consumer sleep better at night.

Step Four – Keep Open Old Credit Accounts
It may be tempting to close old credit card accounts that have not been used in several years, but think twice before doing so. A credit score is partially derived from the length of time a consumer’s accounts have been open. Closing these older accounts can negatively affect a credit score. Additionally, closing old accounts that show available credits will reduce a consumer’s ratio of money owed to available credit, which can also lower a score.

Step Five – Monitor Credit Reports
Keep credit reports looking healthy by regularly checking them for inaccuracies and fraud. If an inquiry appears on a credit report and the consumer knows they did not initiate it, they can take action to have it removed. Consumers should not ask for credit they do not need as this can also lower a credit score. Sometimes, raising a credit score does not require any action at all!