What can I do to raise my credit score fast?
Credit score is presently in the low 500s. I am trying to purchase a home sometime next year.
Establishing a good credit history has never been as important as it is today.
It’s not just that you’ll need good credit to get decent rates when you’re ready to buy a home or a car. Your credit history can determine whether you get a good job, a decent apartment or reasonable rates on insurance. One seemingly minor misstep — a late payment, maxing out your credit cards, applying for too much credit at once — can haunt you for years.
If you’re just starting out, you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a credit history the right way. Here’s what to do, and what to avoid.
Check your credit report
You’ll first want to see what, if anything, lenders are saying about you. That kind of information is contained in your credit report at each of the three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian and Trans Union.
Credit reports are used to create your credit score, the three-digit number lenders typically use to gauge your creditworthiness. Lenders also may look at the report itself, as may the landlords, employers and insurance companies who use credit to evaluate applicants.
Can you have a credit report if you’ve never had credit? Maybe.
Somebody else’s information could be mixed in with your report, either through a credit bureau mistake or because of identity theft; i.e. someone using your personal information to open bogus accounts.
If that’s happened to you, you’ll need to clean up your credit report before trying to apply for new accounts. The Federal Trade Commission has information that can help.
Establish checking and savings accounts
Here’s a basic step that’s sometimes overlooked by people seeking credit. Lenders see these accounts as signs of stability.
Opening checking and savings account is also one of the few things you can do as a minor to start building a financial history. While you can’t get a credit card in your own name until you’re 18 and can be legally held to a contract, many banks have no problem letting you open an account.
Many, but not all. If your bank balks, you need to either look around for another bank or consider opening a joint account with an adult.
Understand the basics of credit scoring
You need to know that the two most important factors in your score are:
Whether you pay your bills on time.
How much of your available credit you actually use.
It’s essential that you pay all your bills on time, all the time. Set up automatic payments or reminder systems so that you’re never, ever late. All it takes is a single missed payment to trash your credit score — and it can take seven years for the effects to completely disappear.
You also don’t want to max out any of your credit cards, or even get close. Keeping your credit use to less than 30% of your credit limits will help you get the best possible credit score — and should help keep you from getting over your head in debt, as well.
Finally, you don’t need to carry a balance on a credit card to have a good credit score. Paying your bill off in full is the best way to keep your finances in shape and build your credit at the same time.
Piggyback on someone else’s good credit
The fastest way to establish a credit history can be to "borrow" another’s record, either by being added to a credit card as an "authorized" or joint user or by getting someone to co-sign a loan for you.
Having a co-signer can allow you to qualify for loans you might not otherwise get. The loan will show up on your credit report and, if you pay it off responsibly, will help boost your credit score.
If you default, however, you won’t be the only one who suffers. The co-signer has basically promised to make good on this account, so any delinquencies will show up on her credit report as well.
Being added as an "authorized user" has its risks, for you as well as the person giving you access to the card.
If your father makes you an authorized user of his credit card, for example, his history with that account can be imported to your credit bureau file, giving you an instant credit record. If he has handled the account well, that reflects well on you. But if he hasn’t, his mistakes would also become yours. Any late payments or other problems could make it harder for you to get future credit than if you’d established your history without help.
Even if you trust the person adding you to the card, you may not be able to piggyback on his or her credit. Some credit issuers won’t report authorized users to the credit bureaus, particularly if the user is not married to the original card holder. If the point is to give you a credit history, the person who’s adding you as an authorized user should call the issuer and ask how (or if) your status as a user will be reported.
Apply for credit while you’re a college student
Credit experts used to warn college students away from those booths set up on campus by credit card lenders — the ones that promise free stuff for signing up. It turns out, however, that there’s no easier time to get a card than while you’re a college student, said Gerri Detweiler, author of "The Ultimate Credit Handbook."
Lenders are willing to take risks with you that they won’t once you graduate, probably because they know that your parents’ willingness to bail you out will end once you get your sheepskin.
You still have to exercise some caution, though. Look for a card with a low or nonexistent annual fee and low interest rates. For now, just get one: Opening a slew of credit accounts in a short period of time can make you look like a risky customer.
Apply for a secured credit card
If you can’t get a regular credit card, apply for the secured version. These require you to deposit money with a lender; your credit limit is usually equal to the deposit.
You’ll want to screen your card issuer carefully. To be frank, there are a lot of bad guys in this particular niche of the credit world. Some charge outrageous application or annual fees and punitively high interest rates.
Your credit union, if you have one, is a good place to start looking for a secured card. You can also check Bankrate.com’s list of secured credit card issuers.
Ideally, the card you pick would:
Have no application fee and a low annual fee
Convert to a regular, unsecured credit card after 12 to 18 months of on-time payments
Be reported to all three credit bureaus.
If the issuer doesn’t report to the credit bureaus, the card won’t help build your credit history.
Get a finance company card
Gas companies and department stores that issue charge cards typically use finance companies, rather than major banks, to handle the transactions. These cards don’t do as much for your credit score as a bank card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, etc.), but they’re usually easier to get.
Again, don’t go overboard. One or two of these cards is enough. If you get many more, you may find that later in your life these accounts could prevent you from getting the highest possible credit score. That’s not a reason to avoid them completely, because right now they’ll do you some good. Just don’t apply for half a dozen.
Get an installment loan
To get the best credit score, you need a mix of different credit types including revolving accounts (credit cards, lines of credit) and installment accounts (auto loans, personal loans, mortgages).
Once you’ve had and used plastic responsibly for a year or so, consider applying for a small installment loan from your credit union or bank. Keeping the duration short — no more than a year or two — will help you build credit while limiting the amount of interest you pay.
Use revolving accounts lightly but regularly
For a credit score to be generated, you have to have had credit for at least six months, with at least one of your accounts updated in the past six months.
Use revolving accounts lightly but regularly
For a credit score to be generated, you have to have had credit for at least six months, with at least one of your accounts updated in the past six months.
Using your cards regularly should ensure that your report is updated regularly. It also will keep the lender interested in you as a customer. If you get a credit card and never use it, the issuer could cancel the account.
Don’t charge more than 30% of the card’s limit.
Don’t charge more than you can pay off in a month. As mentioned earlier, you don’t have to pay interest on a credit card to get a good credit score, and it’s a smart financial habit to pay off your credit cards in full each month.
Make sure you pay the bill, and all your other bills, on time.
Finally, another thing you can do is to report montly payments like rent, utlilites, insurance, wireless phone, and other bills that don’t show up on your credit reports to a reporting agency called PRBC. It helps people build credit by reporting payments to monthly bills that don’t show up on credit reports, to give a more accurate picture of your payment history. Current and previous history up to 3 years back can be reported and scored in a report that can be used with your traditional credit reports that can help you get a mortgage, credit cards, and other financial products
Been there. Make sure to check credit bureaus. Fix any problems. Any credit cards, keep small balance on them and do not go over limit. If balance is say, $300, keep it under $150. Pay on time. Check with lenders too. They have some good advice and actually have programs to help.
References :
I hate saying this but….I was told that the way to get your credit score up is to purchase a "high ticket" item. I have been paying on time for a long time but had a few bad things on my credit. I was looking to purchase a car and finally bit the bullet. I was suprised that my score went up 63 points in just a few months.
References :
A friend in finance told me this. Also, personal experience.
FICO (credit) scores in the 500’s will not stop you from buying a home but it sure will effect the interest rate of the loan you get. Lower your score, higher rate of interest you will pay. The best and usually fastest way is to work directly with your mortgage boker starting now. They will have time to review your credit history and help explain any derogitory entries and or help you get any wrong entries removed. They write great letters to the Credit Agency’s and will be your quickest source of help. AND IT WILL COST YOU NOTHING., except maybe a small charge for running your credit through the 3 big Credit Companys. Usually they can throw t hat in just for using their borkerage or services. Good Luck!! Harley
References :
You can buy a home with a score in the 500’s. Your interest rate will be higher then someone who is closer to the national average of 680.
You can drop your credit score quick however brining it back up takes time. Some good ways to raise your score is to pay off credit cards that have a balance over 40% of their maximum. Make your payments on time for 12 months in a row and close any account your not currently using.
When loan officers look at lending to a borrower their payment history on their mortgage is a huge factor. If you do not have that keep your checks if you are renting and you can use those to document on time payments of your rent.
References :
Many things can be done to improve your credit rating…. especially if you’re planning a year in advance!
As has been suggested, check your credit report first and see what derogatory entries might be there. It can take several months for derogatory items to be removed from your report…
The Free Credit Report site is a great place to start:
https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp
(Please note: this is Not the one you see on TV… that one charges for additional services… this is the Federally Mandated FREE Credit report site… I’ve used it myself, it is Free :))
After removing derogatory entries, the only other options are to be sure to pay On Time. Keep your balances low… Pay more than Minimum!
If you have a big ticket item you wish to purchase, pay it down quickly.
If you have several active credit cards… consolidate your balances on the lowest interest card(s). The more "open references" in your credit history, the more Risk the creditors perceive.
If you request a credit line increase on your lowest rate card and tell them it is with the intention of closing your higher rate cards, they should give you a good deal.
Be sure to close out accounts that you don’t need… an account that is closed at the card holder’s request is a plus – shows you’re acting responsibly 🙂
Your credit rating won’t change overnight… but it will change over Time if you work at it.
Good Luck!
References :
There is no way to erase bad credit from your credit report, but you can improve it. You can start by pulling your credit report form all three credit agencies which are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. You can obtain these for free annually at the U.S. Government website at Federal Trade Commission . Then, follow these simple guidelines to help restore and improve your credit score.
First, make sure all the information on your credit report is accurate.
Second, try to pay off all or any accounts that are currently in
collections or make payment arrangements with the creditor to pay off the balance monthly.
Third, any credit card that is over 50% of the available credit line should be paid down to under half of your total credit line. Your credit score is lowered when your available balance is over 50% of your total credit line.
Finally, if you have bad or no credit and have no credit cards try to obtain two credit cards and make sure all of your monthly payments are made on time. This will help increase your credit score. If you cannot be approved for a unsecured credit card, obtain a secured credit card.
Repairing your credit and improving your credit score is a slow process that takes time. Just be patient and follow these steps and you should be on the road to better credit!
References :
http://www.bad-credit-credit-card-for-people-with-bad-credit.info/
what has happened to you happened to me also with a large amount of dept, but think that everything is repairable even bad credit, i can help you as i do credit repair i dont charge a lot and have references my techniches are 100 %% legal . they just take time and patience it involves you writing your own letters to creditors , credit bureau, disputing charges and delinquent accounts doing it in a way they wont ignore you as time goes by you will see a gradual change its not over night but it works most people are not educated on how the credit game goes i do they got me once but never again achef22@yahoo.com good luck and help your self sleep better dont owe any money
References :
Establishing a good credit history has never been as important as it is today.
It’s not just that you’ll need good credit to get decent rates when you’re ready to buy a home or a car. Your credit history can determine whether you get a good job, a decent apartment or reasonable rates on insurance. One seemingly minor misstep — a late payment, maxing out your credit cards, applying for too much credit at once — can haunt you for years.
If you’re just starting out, you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a credit history the right way. Here’s what to do, and what to avoid.
Check your credit report
You’ll first want to see what, if anything, lenders are saying about you. That kind of information is contained in your credit report at each of the three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian and Trans Union.
Credit reports are used to create your credit score, the three-digit number lenders typically use to gauge your creditworthiness. Lenders also may look at the report itself, as may the landlords, employers and insurance companies who use credit to evaluate applicants.
Can you have a credit report if you’ve never had credit? Maybe.
Somebody else’s information could be mixed in with your report, either through a credit bureau mistake or because of identity theft; i.e. someone using your personal information to open bogus accounts.
If that’s happened to you, you’ll need to clean up your credit report before trying to apply for new accounts. The Federal Trade Commission has information that can help.
Establish checking and savings accounts
Here’s a basic step that’s sometimes overlooked by people seeking credit. Lenders see these accounts as signs of stability.
Opening checking and savings account is also one of the few things you can do as a minor to start building a financial history. While you can’t get a credit card in your own name until you’re 18 and can be legally held to a contract, many banks have no problem letting you open an account.
Many, but not all. If your bank balks, you need to either look around for another bank or consider opening a joint account with an adult.
Understand the basics of credit scoring
You need to know that the two most important factors in your score are:
Whether you pay your bills on time.
How much of your available credit you actually use.
It’s essential that you pay all your bills on time, all the time. Set up automatic payments or reminder systems so that you’re never, ever late. All it takes is a single missed payment to trash your credit score — and it can take seven years for the effects to completely disappear.
You also don’t want to max out any of your credit cards, or even get close. Keeping your credit use to less than 30% of your credit limits will help you get the best possible credit score — and should help keep you from getting over your head in debt, as well.
Finally, you don’t need to carry a balance on a credit card to have a good credit score. Paying your bill off in full is the best way to keep your finances in shape and build your credit at the same time.
Piggyback on someone else’s good credit
The fastest way to establish a credit history can be to "borrow" another’s record, either by being added to a credit card as an "authorized" or joint user or by getting someone to co-sign a loan for you.
Having a co-signer can allow you to qualify for loans you might not otherwise get. The loan will show up on your credit report and, if you pay it off responsibly, will help boost your credit score.
If you default, however, you won’t be the only one who suffers. The co-signer has basically promised to make good on this account, so any delinquencies will show up on her credit report as well.
Being added as an "authorized user" has its risks, for you as well as the person giving you access to the card.
If your father makes you an authorized user of his credit card, for example, his history with that account can be imported to your credit bureau file, giving you an instant credit record. If he has handled the account well, that reflects well on you. But if he hasn’t, his mistakes would also become yours. Any late payments or other problems could make it harder for you to get future credit than if you’d established your history without help.
Even if you trust the person adding you to the card, you may not be able to piggyback on his or her credit. Some credit issuers won’t report authorized users to the credit bureaus, particularly if the user is not married to the original card holder. If the point is to give you a credit history, the person who’s adding you as an authorized user should call the issuer and ask how (or if) your status as a user will be reported.
Apply for credit while you’re a college student
Credit experts used to warn college students away from those booths set up on campus by credit card lenders — the ones that promise free stuff for signing up. It turns out, however, that there’s no easier time to get a card than while you’re a college student, said Gerri Detweiler, author of "The Ultimate Credit Handbook."
Lenders are willing to take risks with you that they won’t once you graduate, probably because they know that your parents’ willingness to bail you out will end once you get your sheepskin.
You still have to exercise some caution, though. Look for a card with a low or nonexistent annual fee and low interest rates. For now, just get one: Opening a slew of credit accounts in a short period of time can make you look like a risky customer.
Apply for a secured credit card
If you can’t get a regular credit card, apply for the secured version. These require you to deposit money with a lender; your credit limit is usually equal to the deposit.
You’ll want to screen your card issuer carefully. To be frank, there are a lot of bad guys in this particular niche of the credit world. Some charge outrageous application or annual fees and punitively high interest rates.
Your credit union, if you have one, is a good place to start looking for a secured card. You can also check Bankrate.com’s list of secured credit card issuers.
Ideally, the card you pick would:
Have no application fee and a low annual fee
Convert to a regular, unsecured credit card after 12 to 18 months of on-time payments
Be reported to all three credit bureaus.
If the issuer doesn’t report to the credit bureaus, the card won’t help build your credit history.
Get a finance company card
Gas companies and department stores that issue charge cards typically use finance companies, rather than major banks, to handle the transactions. These cards don’t do as much for your credit score as a bank card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, etc.), but they’re usually easier to get.
Again, don’t go overboard. One or two of these cards is enough. If you get many more, you may find that later in your life these accounts could prevent you from getting the highest possible credit score. That’s not a reason to avoid them completely, because right now they’ll do you some good. Just don’t apply for half a dozen.
Get an installment loan
To get the best credit score, you need a mix of different credit types including revolving accounts (credit cards, lines of credit) and installment accounts (auto loans, personal loans, mortgages).
Once you’ve had and used plastic responsibly for a year or so, consider applying for a small installment loan from your credit union or bank. Keeping the duration short — no more than a year or two — will help you build credit while limiting the amount of interest you pay.
Use revolving accounts lightly but regularly
For a credit score to be generated, you have to have had credit for at least six months, with at least one of your accounts updated in the past six months.
Use revolving accounts lightly but regularly
For a credit score to be generated, you have to have had credit for at least six months, with at least one of your accounts updated in the past six months.
Using your cards regularly should ensure that your report is updated regularly. It also will keep the lender interested in you as a customer. If you get a credit card and never use it, the issuer could cancel the account.
Don’t charge more than 30% of the card’s limit.
Don’t charge more than you can pay off in a month. As mentioned earlier, you don’t have to pay interest on a credit card to get a good credit score, and it’s a smart financial habit to pay off your credit cards in full each month.
Make sure you pay the bill, and all your other bills, on time.
Finally, another thing you can do is to report montly payments like rent, utlilites, insurance, wireless phone, and other bills that don’t show up on your credit reports to a reporting agency called PRBC. It helps people build credit by reporting payments to monthly bills that don’t show up on credit reports, to give a more accurate picture of your payment history. Current and previous history up to 3 years back can be reported and scored in a report that can be used with your traditional credit reports that can help you get a mortgage, credit cards, and other financial products
References :
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/MoneyInYour20s/9waysToBuildAKillerCreditScore.aspx
Link to PRBC : http://prbc.com/default.php?
Link(s) to secured credit card(s):
https://www.wellsfargo.com/credit_cards/select_card/secured/
http://www.bankofamerica.com/creditcards/index.cfm?context_id=marketing_detail&offer_id=ECOMM090XFEQ00400800121983EN001