When you order a credit report, along with your credit scores, the credit bureaus often offer several ways by which you can improve your credit score.
For people whose credit scores are low, this can be a roadmap for FICO improvement. For people whose credit scores are very high, it may be extraneous information; you can’t get “bonus points” for having an extra-high FICO.
Take the credit bureaus’ recommendations under consideration, but remember that there are only a few fool-proof ways to improve your credit score.
- Pay your bills on time, every time
- Keep your credit card balances low as compared to your total available credit
- Apply for store charge cards only when absolutely necessary
- Pay doctor and utility bills when they’re due
- Keep old credit cards open, and use them periodically
Ideally, your credit card balances should not exceed 30 percent of the card’s available balance. If you are having trouble meeting this requirement for a high credit score, ask your credit card company to raise your credit limit.
Lastly, if you’ve had a derogatory event on your credit report, avoid credit repair companies until you’ve done your due diligence. Often, time is the best healer of a “bad credit report”.