My Credit Wasn’t Going To Fix Itself… I Had To Do Something…

It was then that I realized only I could take charge of my credit and get it fixed… The first thing I did was try a so-called “professional” credit repair agency, but…

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

What Type of Judgments Show Up on a Credit Report?

Credit bureaus provide information to a variety of individuals and organizations who may have an interest in how you handle your financial responsibilities, including employers, lenders, government agencies, rental agencies, and anyone else with a legitimate need for access to such information. Your credit report may contain a wide variety of information including your past addresses, other names by which you may have gone, reports on how you have...

Monday, September 29, 2008

How to Erase Late Payment History on Credit Report

If you pay your bills late, your credit will suffer-- that much is common knowledge. Most companies don't report you to credit agencies until after your bills are 30 days past due. However, a single 90-day late payment can be as damaging as filing bankruptcy, a tax lien, a collection, or a repossession. It doesn't matter whether the bill was for $100 or $10,000. So if you've had even a single late payment, it is important that you get this removed from your record immediately. Instructions Contact Your Creditor 1 Contact your creditor....

What Effect Did Credit Scoring Have at First?

Credit reporting began when small retailers shared information about their customers. As the system developed, credit bureaus emerged and the system begun adopting a formal statistical method to determine people's risk profiles. The credit scoring system has various effects when it first appeared. Information Sharing Even in its first stage, credit reporting provided small merchants with a way to share information about customers. The financial...

My Credit Score Dropped After Applying for a New Line of Credit

Credit is essential in building a solid credit rating, although applying for the credit may damage your score. Despite this quandary, garnering approval can significantly improve your rating if you make your payments on time and don't go over your limit. The impact of a new line of credit ultimately depends on how you handle it. Credit Inquiry Applying for new credit usually drops your credit score up to five points because of the credit inquiry. Any time you apply for credit, the creditor reports the application to the national credit...

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Does Credit Card Debt Affect Your Credit Rating?

Credit card debt affects your credit rating in a variety of ways. In general, irresponsible use of credit cards will negatively impact your credit scores. The direct effects of credit card use are broken down into a variety of more specific categories used to compute your credit score. The FICO scoring model, used by all three major credit reporting bureaus, has five basic scoring areas, according to the MyFICO website. Credit Scores Equifax,...

How to Rebuild Good Credit After Having Bad Credit

Bad credit is a financial setback, but the FICO credit score company explains that it doesn't have to be permanent. You can start rebuilding good credit immediately if you are capable of paying your bills and managing your accounts. It may take months or years to fully restore your credit score, but good credit will enable you to easily get loans and credit cards and to qualify for the most attractive terms and interest rates. Instructions 1...

Saturday, September 27, 2008

How to Build Up Credit As a Student

After college, you may need to take out a loan to buy a car, get approval to rent an apartment after a credit check or even need a mortgage. Building your credit score while a student will improve your chances of getting approved for loans and possibly building a good credit score. A good way to build credit is to take out credit cards in your name, so long as you limit the balances you carry and try to pay on time. Instructions 1 Become...

How Do Credit Checks Work?

Every time you apply for credit or insurance, the company you approach checks your credit file to determine how much of a credit risk you are. Your credit file contains information about how much money you owe to other lenders and how you've managed your accounts. When you apply for new credit, the provider runs a credit check to see if you meet their lending criteria. Application When you apply, you submit detailed personal information about...

Ways to Get Credit

Credit scores can affect every aspect of your life, from where you live to the job you do. The three-digit credit score held by the three main credit bureaus must be kept above 700 for a person to get credit from various companies. Here are a few ideas of how to get credit and keep your credit score healthy. Credit Scores Credit scores are calculated and held by the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. Credit scores run from 300 to 850. A score below 700 gives the consumer a slim chance of being accepted for loans and...

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Repairing Credit to Buy a House

Buying a home often calls for a credit score of 680 or higher. Lenders use credit scores to assess whether an applicant qualifies for a home loan. Credit scores provide a good indication as to whether applicants will repay the funds as agreed upon. Thus, it's wise to repair a low credit score prior to buying a home. Not only does this help applicants get a loan approval, but having a higher credit score also helps them secure a better rate on the...

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Why Do I Have to Pay for My Own Credit Report Information?

Some consumers may feel it is an injustice that they must pay for information on their own financial history, but you do not always have to pay for it. Congress agrees with you and forces the major credit rating bureaus to give you at least one free report a year. What are the Credit Bureaus? The major credit reporting bureaus -- Experian, Equifax and TransUnion -- are private companies, despite often carrying the label "national credit bureaus."...

Does Paying Child Support Lower Credit Scores?

The Department of Health and Human Services had to assist in 15.9 million child support cases in 2010, according to the HHS website. Not only do cases of child support arrears make it difficult on the supporting spouse to raise the child, the person in arrears may damage his credit rating. Thus, if you have court-ordered child support payments, you should do whatever it takes to satisfy them. Identification Paying child support does not raise your credit score, but it also prevents child support arrears from damaging your credit rating....

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Steps to Erase Negatives on Your Credit Report

Negative information on your credit report affects the interest rate on your mortgage, car loan and credit cards. In some cases, it prevents you from accessing credit. It shows lenders that you are a risky borrower undeserving of trust. Ideally, you'd never miss a payment, get disorganized or fall behind. In the real world, people are striving to pay down debt, save more money and improve credit scores. Obvious Inaccuracies Order copies of your report from Equifax, Experian or TransUnion to see what you're dealing with. You can get a free...

How to Remove Aged Credit Inquiries From a Credit Report

Credit inquiries are recorded every time a potential lender views your credit report. Although inquiries are a necessary evil, too many of them can drop your credit score. Multiple inquiries, especially during a short time period, show new credit grantors that you are looking to take on more credit. Most of the time, hard credit inquiries will drop off a credit report after two years. If aged inquiries are still lurking on your credit file, take steps to have them removed. Instructions Instructions 1 Order your credit reports from each...

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Will Taking Care of Collections Make My Credit Score Higher?

Seriously delinquent credit cards, loans and other accounts are often turned over to collection agencies. This lowers the consumer's credit score considerably, according to FICO, a major credit score provider. Taking care of collection accounts by paying them off does not necessarily undo the damage. Extra steps are necessary to repair the credit score. Definition A collection account is an unpaid account that has been charged off and turned over to a collections department or agency, Liz Pulliam Weston of MSN Money explains. When someone...

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

How Do I Improve My Credit Now That Bills Are All Paid?

Paying all your bills is just the first step to re-establishing a healthy credit score. It is a terrific first step, and you should be proud of yourself, but also realize you need to establish a lengthy credit history that proves you are trustworthy. Accomplishing this requires avoiding additional debt, maintaining healthy relationships with creditors and acting responsibly. It will take several years before your credit is healthy enough that you...

Monday, September 15, 2008

How to Remove Bad Information From Your Credit

Inaccurate information on your credit reports can greatly affect your credit score and your ability to get credit. Credit reporting agencies are required to display accurate information on your credit accounts, and get the account information from your creditors. If the creditor is providing bad information, you can file a dispute with the credit-reporting agency. Upon receiving the report, the agency will launch an investigation to obtain the accurate information. Instructions Transunion 1 Navigate to Transunion's online dispute website...

Friday, September 12, 2008

Does Having a Co-Signer on a Car Hurt Your Credit Score?

When your credit history is less than stellar, you can still obtain a loan with the help of a co-signer, which is someone who agrees in writing to repay your debt if you are unable to. Sometimes, especially in the case of expensive car loans, you may be required to have a co-signer if your credit history is insufficient or poor. Knowing how co-signing affects both the buyer and the co-signer is essential to making a decision on obtaining a car loan. What a Co-Signer Will Do Having a co-signer wont affect your credit score one way or another....

How to Get Credit Scores from All Three Reporting Agencies

Reviewing your credit reports from all three of the nationwide bureaus will give you a complete view of your credit history. Reviewing all three reports instead of only one is a smart move because not all creditors report to all three agencies. That means a delinquent credit account showing up on your Equifax credit report might not appear on your TransUnion or Experian report. Federal law entitles you to three free reports every 12 months, including...

Can I Report A Higher Credit Score?

Your credit score is a summary of your credit history and a gauge that helps measure your future likelihood to repay loans. You may need to provide your credit score when you apply for a mortgage, buy a car, rent an apartment or get a job. While you can't report your own credit score, there are steps you can take to ensure your score is accurate and make it as high as possible. Credit Reporting Agencies Three different consumer credit reporting agencies have the authorization to track your financial transactions and compile a credit score....

Thursday, September 11, 2008

How to Raise Your Credit Score and Repair Bad Credit for Free

Your credit score is more than just a number. Even if you are not applying for a line of credit, a bad credit score can haunt you. Employers and insurance companies often require credit checks. A good credit score proves you are reliable enough to pay back borrowed money. Poor credit indicates a risk for lenders. It is never too late to improve your score, and you can do so free of charge. Consistency is key. Instructions Fix Your Credit Report 1 Obtain a copy of your credit report. The Federal Trade Commission recommends consumers visit...

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

How to Boost Your Credit Score Extremely Fast

Boosting your credit score is beneficial for numerous reasons. When applying for a loan or financing, lenders take your credit history and score into consideration. Ideal applicants include persons with a high or acceptable credit history. They receive the best financing package and easy approvals. But even if you have a low score and cannot presently qualify for the best rates, there are ways to boost your FICO score quickly. Instructions 1 Help your score by paying creditors on time. Skipped or missed payments demonstrate a level of irresponsibility,...

Sunday, September 7, 2008

What Happens on My Credit Report if I Pay Everything Off?

Your credit reports reflect every loan and credit card payment you make. The Equifax, Experian and TransUnion credit bureaus also show your owed balances and update them regularly as you pay them down and raise them with new purchases. Eventually, if you keep paying and do not use any more of your credit, your balances reach zero. Your lack of debt is visible to lenders who review your reports. Credit Report Information Your accounts do not disappear from your credit reports when you completely pay them off. Your credit reports still list...

How to Raise a Credit Score in Eight Months in Order to Buy a Home

There are numerous factors to take into consideration before jumping into the housing market: down payment, fees, points and so much more. However, before you get too deeply into the process, your lender will first review your credit report and history to determine if you're a good candidate for a mortgage. If you are dealing with a shaky credit history, now is the time to improve your credit and add points to your score. Instructions 1 Evaluate...

Friday, September 5, 2008

Is it True That a Credit Report Only Shows Violations That Are $50 or Greater?

When it comes to credit reports and credit scoring, there are a lot myths and misconceptions floating around out there. Some people mistakenly believe, for example, that only debts above a certain dollar amount are included on reports. This is not true. In fact, even the smallest unpaid debt can be listed on your credit report and end up damaging your credit score. Creditors A creditor is anyone to whom you owe money. This list not only includes traditional lenders such as banks or credit card companies, but also includes such organizations...

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Will a Collection Agency Remove Their Information From My Credit Report If I Make a Payment?

If you have a debt that has been placed with a collection agency it is still a good idea to pay it off. Any paid account on your report will help. Not all collection agency reports are the same and not all debts that they attempt to collect are owned by the agency. A person's credit report shows the status of debts, and who holds the debt. So if a debt has been referred to a collection agency it will show as a collection account. Collection Agencies Some "debt collection agencies" are just collection branches of the creditor set up in the...

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Can Breaking a Lease Affect Your Credit Score in New Hampshire?

A tenant may need to break a lease because of relocation, changed financial circumstances or personal reasons. In some cases, the property owner may decide to sue the tenant in the New Hampshire courts to get compensation for financial losses resulting from the broken lease. A judgment in favor of the property owner may affect the tenant's credit score. Therefore, a tenant who needs to break a lease in New Hampshire should try to negotiate the terms...