How to Boost Your Credit Score Legally
- 1). Gather your credit reports from all three credit reporting companies: Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. Print out copies of each one and go through them one by one. Highlight anything that is not current or does not seem accurate. Look for accounts that have many late payments, are past due, are in collections or have any other negative comments listed.
- 2). Get current on your bills. You will never improve your score if you are behind on payments. Cut out any unnecessary expenses from your budget at least temporarily, and use the extra money to get your payments up to date.
- 3). Work your way through any delinquent accounts. Call the collection agencies and ask them to settle with you. Often they will offer to lower the amount owed if you are willing to make an immediate payment or agree to a payment plan.
- 4). Correct any mistakes on your account. If there are any bad accounts listed on your credit report that are not actually yours or have incorrect amounts, contact the company and ask what their process is for removing it from your credit report. Each company will have a process for making corrections.
- 5). Begin building a good credit record. Stay current on your bills. Choose one credit card, preferably the one you have had the longest, and use it once or twice a month for small purchases but always pay the amount off in full. Start paying down debt, especially the credit cards.
