Ten Real Keys to a Good Credit Score

<h1>Ten Real Keys to a Good Credit Score</h1>Author: <a title="TheCreditTruth" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/thecredittruth/285300.htm">TheCreditTruth</a> You know how important your credit score is, so try these ten approaches to make your credit score soar. <ol> <li>Don't ever close your oldest accounts - these give your credit history its timeline and the longer, the better. </li> <li>Have a good mix of credit. This includes retail store charges, car loans, credit cards, gas cards, mortgages. </li> <li>Have someone co-sign for a credit card. Ask a close friend or family member with good credit to add you to their account as a signer. This is known as “piggybacking” and allows you to leverage the good history as your own. </li> <li>Don't ever max out a credit card by combining all your debt on it if it puts you near your limit. Instead, spread a large debt over two or more low interest cards. </li> <li>Call creditors to ask for a lower interest rate. Many will give it to you. If you don't ask, they won't offer. </li> <li>Work out a payment plan with creditors if you're struggling. This will prevent your account from being turned over to collection agencies - the kiss of death to your credit score. </li> <li>Ask a family member for a loan to pay off debt; their terms will likely be far more agreeable. </li> <li>Increase your credit limits. This will help your credit utilization ratio. When your limits are increased, your existing debt represents a lesser percentage of your total available credit (the goal is to bring it under 30%). But do NOT increase your balances. </li> <li>Pay bills immediately as they arrive. If you send the money out before the next statement is generated, your creditor will report your paid balance ($0) versus your statement balance (what you owed). </li> <li>Use old cards occasionally. Your oldest accounts count toward your credit history length but may not be factored in if you don't use them every 6 months or so. </li> </ol> Soon, you’ll be on your way to excellent credit health and can use your credit rating to save money each month through lower interest rates on new loans and credit cards.About the Author: Blogging the truth about your credit report rights at <a href="http://www.thecredittruth.org/">The Credit Truth</a>. Learn more about <a href="http://www.thecredittruth.org">Free Credit Reports</a>.Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/ten-real-keys-to-a-good-credit-score-1451588.html" title="Ten Real Keys to a Good Credit Score">Ten Real Keys to a Good Credit Score</a>

You know how important your credit score is, so try these ten approaches to make your credit score soar.

Don't ever close your oldest accounts - these give your credit history its timeline and the longer, the better.
Have a good mix of credit. This includes retail store charges, car loans, credit cards, gas cards, mortgages.
Have someone co-sign for a credit card. Ask a close friend or family member with good credit to add you to their account as a signer. This is known as “piggybacking” and allows you to leverage the good history as your own.
Don't ever max out a credit card by combining all your debt on it if it puts you near your limit. Instead, spread a large debt over two or more low interest cards.
Call creditors to ask for a lower interest rate. Many will give it to you. If you don't ask, they won't offer.
Work out a payment plan with creditors if you're struggling. This will prevent your account from being turned over to collection agencies - the kiss of death to your credit score.
Ask a family member for a loan to pay off debt; their terms will likely be far more agreeable.
Increase your credit limits. This will help your credit utilization ratio. When your limits are increased, your existing debt represents a lesser percentage of your total available credit (the goal is to bring it under 30%). But do NOT increase your balances.
Pay bills immediately as they arrive. If you send the money out before the next statement is generated, your creditor will report your paid balance ($0) versus your statement balance (what you owed).
Use old cards occasionally. Your oldest accounts count toward your credit history length but may not be factored in if you don't use them every 6 months or so.

Soon, you’ll be on your way to excellent credit health and can use your credit rating to save money each month through lower interest rates on new loans and credit cards.

Blogging the truth about your credit report rights at The Credit Truth. Learn more about Free Credit Reports.

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/ten-real-keys-to-a-good-credit-score-1451588.html

Article Tags: Credit Card, Credit Report, Credit Score, Credit History, Credit Limit

Related Videos
Related Articles
Ask / Related Q&A

Play

Credit Score Myths

Play

Learn about Credit - Credit Score

Play

6 Credit Score Secrets

Play

Understanding Your Credit Score

Play

How to Raise Your Credit Score

Latest Credit Articles
More from TheCreditTruth

How Credit Repair Course Help?

By: mark garcia | 29/11/2009
Are you having problems with your finances? There are credit repair courses available that teach you how to repair your credit and get back on track financially. These courses many times are free and can be taken by anyone. The entire purpose of the courses is to help consumers take control of their finances by teaching them about how to manage their money and learning different methods of spending and saving.

Are You Worried About Credit Card Debt

By: Tom | 29/11/2009
Properly every one of us has some sort of credit card debt, but when do we know that it’s spiralling out of control? Well one way is if you’re pay more than 15% of your monthly salary to your credit card bills then start to worry

Credit Score Improves by Paying on Time

By: Tom | 29/11/2009
It may seem obvious, but one of the easiest things you can do to improve your credit score is to start paying your bills on time.

Credit Reports! When You’re Not Watching Your Credit, Who Is?

By: Tom | 29/11/2009
This may be old news, or this may be information that has just come to light for you, but your credit and consumer habits are being monitored, and unless you take some action to obtain the necessary credit reports, you more than likely don’t know if you’re credit worthy or not!

Ways to Find Credit Card Debt Relief

By: Emily Onedge | 29/11/2009
Here are some ways to find credit card relief. Credit cards are a great way to pay for almost anything. But that convenience comes at a big price. Today, high credit card interest rates have many people fighting to make their monthly credit card payments.

The benefits of using pre-paid travel cards when travelling abroad

By: Jonathan Phillips | 29/11/2009
A guide to saving money whilst travelling by buying your currency up front using a pre-paid travel card, accepted by establishments everywhere an ordinary credit card is, with all the safety and convenience a credit or debit card provides.

Credit Repair Through Debt Consolidation

By: Tom | 29/11/2009
Although everyone's economic status and situation is particular, almost all of us are in some sort of debt at any given time. This can mean small debts like credit card bills or in-store financing, as well as larger ones like outstanding loans and mortgages. What this means is that almost everyone is dependent on being allowed a certain amount of credit, and without credit many things that you take for granted will become difficult. The key to your credit status at any given ...

Things To Remember When You Apply For A Credit Card

By: Tom | 29/11/2009
When you are ready to apply for a credit card, there are a few things you want to take into consideration before making that final choice on which card to put into action in your life. After a bit of reading and reviewing the offers and your credit needs, your credit rating, you are then going to know if you are really ready to apply for a credit card for you to use. One thing to think about is how your credit report is. If you are one of the many that may not have the gre...