10 Things You Can Do Today To Improve Your Credit

Blemished credit is both stressful and costly, but it’s not the end. As hopeless as the situation might seem, bad credit won’t last forever. There are things you can do right now to begin repairing your credit.

If you have poor credit or even average credit, the time to improve your credit is now!

1. Stop using your credit cards

In a bad credit situation, one of the worst things you can do is continue accumulating debt by making credit card purchases. Put your credit cards away until you have more control of the situation.

2. Get a copy of your credit report

You can't begin repairing your credit until you know exactly what you need to work on. Obtain a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus to find out which accounts need work and which are just fine.

3. Clean up your credit report.

If your credit report contains incorrect information, you have the right to have it removed. Your credit report will include information about disputing bad credit with the credit bureaus.

4. Get current on delinquent accounts

Your payment history makes up 35% of your credit score. Getting current on your delinquent accounts will have a great impact on your credit.

5. Don't put in any more credit applications

As long as your credit is in repair mode, you should avoid making any more applications for credit. It's likely that you'll get turned down for credit and the applications will only decrease your credit score.

6. Keep accounts with balances open

You might be tempted to close out credit card accounts that have become delinquent, but wait. Before you close any account make sure it won't negatively affect your credit.

7. Call your creditors

Right now they're certainly the last people you want to talk to, but you'd be surprised at the help you might receive. Talk to your creditors about your situation. Many of them have temporary hardship programs that will reduce your monthly payments until you can get back on your feet. Learn how to deal with collection agencies.

8. Pay off your debts

You will have to start paying off your debts to improve your credit situation. You may not have to pay off the full amount! Negotiate with your creditors using our Sample Pay For Delete Letters.

9. Get professional help

If you don't want to do it yourself or just prefer that professionals hand it, check out Lexington Law Firm, they've helped over 300,000 clients improve their credit rating!

10. Be patient

Your credit wasn't damaged overnight, so don't expect it to improve in that amount of time. Continue paying your debts and over time you will see an improvement in your credit.

For more information on how to repair your credit, visit the Credit Repair Forum!

Beginners can start here at an Introduction to Credit Repair.