How to Improve Credit Score Immediately

A low credit score can impact your ability to obtain a home loan, auto loan or credit card. For this reason, many consumers look for ways to improve their credit. And if you're looking to finance an item in the near future, you're likely interested in boosting your credit score within a relatively short period. Fortunately, there are tactics to immediately raise your FICO score.

Instructions

1

Get your credit report. Before creating a plan to raise a low credit score, order a copy of your credit report. This is how you'll learn your exact credit score. Visit Annual Credit Report and request a copy of your report and personal score.

2

Pay off your credit cards. Carrying a high credit card balance reduces your score. To improve your credit score immediately, get rid of your credit card debt. If you're unable to eliminate the debt, pay down the balance. Keep credit card balances below 50 percent of your limit.

3

Start paying your bills on time. Some people habitually skip payments or submit late payments. To quickly improve a low score, pay your bills on time each month. Sign up for automatic billpay if you have difficulty keeping track of due dates.

4

Resolve credit report errors. Unfamiliar accounts and reporting errors can appear on your credit report. These remarks reduce your score. Write a dispute letter and report all inaccuracies to the credit bureaus. By law, the bureaus have to investigate complaints, and fix reporting errors.

5

Settle judgment and collection accounts. Credit judgments and collections accounts can damage your credit rating. And since these remarks remain on your report for up to 7 years, it can be difficult to obtain credit. Contact original creditors or collection agencies. Make plans to pay off the balances.