More Ways to Improve

While consistently paying your bills on time is the best way to improve your credit score, there are other steps you can take that might surprise you.

Keep credit card balances low compared to total available credit limits. Very high balances or maxed out credit cards may suggest emerging credit problems, and creditors may worry about your ability to pay it back.

Apply for new credit sparingly. When a possible lender makes an inquiry about your credit history it's recorded on your report. A lot of inquiries can lower your credit score.

Any time you find a mistake or inaccuracy, correct the problem with each of the three credit bureaus as well as the lender.

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