Do you need no-nonsense advice on how to increase your credit score before it dips any lower? Learn practical tips you can start using today to progress toward having the kind of credit score lenders like to see.
What is a Good Credit Score?
Each lender has its standards for what constitutes a good credit score. However, you can expect most of them to consider a score from 670 to 739 as good.
A very good score typically is 740 to 799. Your score is excellent if it’s 800 or more.
Best Ways to Increase Your Credit Score
Let’s now examine ways you can achieve a better credit score. Neither tactic is difficult. They simply require discipline.
Keep Credit Utilization Low
Lenders want to know how much credit you have and how much of it you are using. Suppose you have a $20,000 credit limit on a credit card, but you’re using only $200 or 1%. A lender might conclude you have your spending habits well under control.
On the other hand, imagine a credit card balance of $15,000 or 75% of your $20,000 limit. A lender will be less than impressed. Lenders and credit rating agencies prefer that you keep the use of your available credit to no more than 30%.
Pay Bills On Time
One of the simplest answers to the problem of how to increase your credit score fast is to make payments on time. If possible, set up an automated payment arrangement so you won’t miss payments.
Keep Old Accounts Open
You may be tempted to close old credit card accounts. Resist that urge if you want to improve your credit score.
Old accounts give proof of long-time responsible use of credit. Keep the accounts active by making minor purchases you can pay off quickly and easily without amassing additional debt.
Diversify Your Debt
You can improve your credit score if your history includes more than one kind of credit. For example, most people carry credit card debt which is a type of revolving credit. However, fewer people have a record that includes a vehicle or personal installment loan.
If reasonable for your circumstances, you could apply at your bank for a small personal loan that you could repay on time. Likewise, you could obtain a secured credit card to show you can handle revolving credit.
Debt Forgiveness Solutions
If you need professional help with your debt, there are several options. Two of the most popular are debt consolidation and debt resolution.
Debt Consolidation
PDS can help relieve the pressure of making multiple large-scale payments by reducing and packaging them into a single manageable loan. PDS Debt will search among its lending partners for the best consolidation loan offers available.
Debt Resolution
Another option is debt resolution. This option is for debt that has progressed to the collection phase. The quicker you can get out of this period, the sooner you raise your credit score.
Get Help For Your Credit Score
You don’t have to battle your credit score problems alone. PDS can help you negotiate acceptable settlements with companies to get you payment arrangements that fit your budget. Then, you only pay once debt reduction arrangements are in place and proceeding as planned.
How long does it take to increase your credit score? It depends on how long it takes you to get started. Begin breaking free from creditors today by taking a few minutes to complete your free online debt assessment.
