How to Add Lines to Your Credit Profile

Lenders use your credit report when deciding to extend you a new line of credit. Your credit report also helps determine your interest rates and if you can receive a credit line increase. Keeping your debt low, paying your bills on time and applying for credit responsibly will help you build a good credit report. However, many creditors, such as gasoline companies, local retailers, wireless providers and utility companies do not often report payment information to the credit bureaus. By requesting that companies report positive information on your credit report, you can lengthen your positive credit history and increase your credit score.

Instructions

1

Write a letter to the creditor requesting that they inform the three credit bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion and Experian of your account status. Include your full name and account number in the letter.

2

Mail the letter certified mail to the customer service department.

3

Order a copy of your credit report from each credit bureau after 30 to 45 days. By law, you can receive a free copy of your credit reports once a year through Annual Credit Report.

4

Review each report for the updated credit file on your account.

5

Write a dispute letter to any credit bureau not listing the account. Inform the credit bureau that you are requesting they investigate the account and add the missing information. Include a copy of your credit report, a copy of the letter you sent to the creditor and any proof you have of the account such as bill statements or copies of checks.

6

Order a second copy of your credit report from any credit bureau that was not reporting the account after 30 to 45 days to verify the bureau added the account information.