How to Get a 650 Credit Score

An important aspect of financial health is maintaining your credit, which directly affects your ability to purchase a house or car, rent an apartment and even get a job. Your score is calculated based on how much debt and credit you currently have, the type of credit you use, the number of accounts you have, your payment history and the length of time of your credit use.

Instructions

1

Obtain your credit report. You are entitled to one free credit report each year from the three major credit-reporting bureaus: Experian, Equinox and TransUnion. Visit the official website of each bureau or obtain your report through online credit report sites. You will have to enter your social security number and possibly other personal information such as employment history and former addresses to verify your identity.

2

Look over your credit report to verify that information, both positive and negative, is accurate. If you feel there is an error, report inaccurate information to the credit-reporting bureau by writing a letter requesting an investigation. Include the inaccurate information and a reason why you feel it's inaccurate, along with proof of the error such as payment receipts. Your letter should include your name, address, city, state and zip code. Attach a copy of the credit report and highlight or circle the error.

3

Pay your bills on time. Late payments that are 30 days past due are reported on your credit report and can damage your score. Once you pay off the balance on your credit card bill, continue to make small purchases using the card and pay it off completely every month. This boosts your credit score and maintains your ratio of debt to available credit. Keep your debt-to-credit ratio below 30 percent, meaning you have more credit available than debt.

4

Create a budget. A budget can help you reduce your spending, which saves money that can be used toward paying off debt or building up your savings. Save money by eating fewer restaurant meals and foregoing expensive hobbies or other forms of entertainment.

5

Visit a credit counselor. A credit-counseling agency can help you rebuild your credit by negotiating with lenders to reduce your interest rate. Agencies can also help bring your accounts up to a current status, improving your score.