How Can I Improve My Credit Report?

January 21, 2020

Most lenders use credit report information to evaluate the creditworthiness of potential borrowers. Borrowers with good credit are presumed to be more creditworthy and may find it easier to obtain a loan, often at a lower interest rate.


You can do a number of things to help improve what's on your credit report, including the following.
PAY BILLS ON TIME
Your credit report provides information to lenders regarding your payment history. For the most part, a lender may assume that you can be trusted to make timely monthly debt payments in the future if you have done so in the past. Consequently, if you have a history of late payments and/or unpaid debts, a lender may consider you to be a high credit risk and turn you down for a loan.


LIMIT CREDIT INQUIRIES
Each time you apply for credit, the lender will request a copy of your credit report. The lender's request then appears as a "hard inquiry" on your credit report. Too many of these inquiries in a short amount of time could be viewed negatively by a potential lender, since it may indicate that the borrower has a history of being turned down for loans or has access to too much credit.


BUILD A CREDIT HISTORY
You may have good credit, but not enough of it. As a result, you may need to build up more of your credit history before a lender deems you worthy to take on new debt.


CORRECT ERRORS ON YOUR REPORT
Uncorrected errors on a credit report could make it difficult for a lender to accurately evaluate creditworthiness and could result in a loan denial. If you have errors on your credit report, it's important to correct your report by disputing inaccurate or incomplete information,

Finally, if you are ever turned down for a loan, you can find out why. Under federal law, you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report as long as you request it within 60 days of receiving notice of a company's adverse action against you. Federal law also entitles you to a free annual credit report from all three credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax™, and Trans Union™). You can obtain this report by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.
All Securities Through Money Concepts Capital Corp., Member FINRA / SIPC

11440 North Jog Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Phone: 561.472.2000

Copyright 2010 Money Concepts International Inc.



Investments are not FDIC or NCUA Insured

May Lose Value - No Bank or Credit Union Guarantee

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the state(s) of MI. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.
Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2020.
A man in a suit is using a laptop and a tablet.

Are Extended Warranties Worth It?

April 22, 2025
Extended warranties are offered by retailers for an additional cost and cover product repairs for a specific period of time under certain conditions.
A man is talking on a cell phone in a bakery while looking at a tablet.

Life Insurance in Retirement

April 22, 2025
Most of us think of life insurance as protection against financial loss should we die prematurely. But when we reach retirement and the kids are all self-sufficient, do we still need life insurance?
A woman is sitting at a table with a laptop and a piece of paper.

Versatile 529 Plans Can Help with More than Just College

April 22, 2025
529 plans were originally created in 1996 as a tax-advantaged way to save for college.
A group of business people are standing next to each other in front of a white wall.

Prime Workforce Stays Strong

April 22, 2025
The labor force participation rate — the percentage of Americans age 16 and older who are working or actively looking for work — peaked in early 2000.
Show More