Improving your FICO credit score

It's important to note that raising your FICO credit score is a bit like losing weight: It takes time and YES, you can definitely do something about it. The best advice is to manage credit responsibly over time. Just following these tips help with raising your credit score.

Pay your bills on time. Eliminate Debt.

Be aware that paying off a collection account will not remove it from your credit report, it will remain on your credit for 7 years and reflect paid.

If you are having trouble making ends meet, contact your creditors or see a legitimate credit counselor.

Maintain copies of all documents to evidence any debts that you paid off in full including collections, judgments, tax liens, etc.

Amounts Owed Tips

• Keep balances low on credit cards and other "revolving credit".
• Pay off debt rather than moving it around.
• Don't close unused credit cards as a short-term strategy to raise your score.
• Don't open a number of new credit cards that you don't need, just to increase your available credit.

The interest rate you'll pay for the money you borrow will be determined, in large part, by this three-digit number that's generated from the information in your credit report. Start by pulling your credit report and your credit score to see where you are. Have your Lender to pull credit upfront.