Useful FICO Tips

When you get your credit scores, make sure you also learn the highest and lowest scores possible, as well as the most important factors that influenced your scores. These factors can give you an idea of how you can improve your scores.

Getting your own credit scores or credit reports won't affect your scores, as long as you order them from one of the sources we list here.

Review your credit reports for accuracy. Mistakes and omissions on your credit reports probably will affect your credit scores. If you spot an error, contact the credit reporting agency and the creditor whose information is wrong.

If you have questions or problems with your credit scores, contact the company that provided them to you.

Boosting your scoresYour credit scores change when new information is reported by your creditors. So your scores will improve over time when you manage your credit responsibly.

Here are some general ways to improve your credit scores:

• Pay your bills on time. Delinquent payments and collections can really hurt your score.
  
• Keep balances low on credit cards. High debt levels can hurt your score.
  
• Payoff debt rather than moving it between credit cards.
  Themost effective way to improve your score in this area is to pay down your revolving credit.
  
• Apply for and open new credit accounts only when you need them.
  
• Check your credit report regularly for accuracy and contact the creditor and credit reporting agency to correct any errors.
  
• If you have missed payments, get current and stay current.
  The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score.