4
Mar
2011
Raise Your Credit Score
Raise your credit score!
Repair your credit!
Fix your credit! 100% guaranteed!
You may have seen one of these ads. Such bold promises and with prices to match. However, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released a Consumer Alert against fraudulent credit repair scams, asking consumers to be wary of claims like these.
Instead of relying on quick credit repair schemes to fix your credit score, why not do the repairing yourself? There are many ways you can raise your credit score without spending a single cent. All you need is some amount of credit score understanding and what steps are needed to maintain or build a good credit.
Improve your Payment History
Your payment history is the first factors included in calculating your credit score, so it makes sense that you raise your credit score by improving your payment history. So how do you do it?
Well, the answer should be obvious. Pay your bills on time. If you have missed any payments, get current and stay that way. As much as possible, dont wait until your bills are at collection. Collection accounts have a tendency to stick in your credit report. Then, you can kiss your hopes to raise your credit score goodbye.
Out of all these tips, the one important thing you need to remember is punctuality in making payments. Thats all. Once youre passed that hurdle, then youll have no trouble trying to raise your credit score.
Lower Amounts Owed
As a rule, credit card debts should be kept at a minimal level. Even if you pay your credit card bills on time, the way credit card companies report your balances to the credit bureau could negatively affect your credit score. The credit card company does it once at any time of the month so if you havent yet made your payments at the time, its going to look to the credit bureau that you have a lot of outstanding credits.
You cant raise your credit score if you keep charging numerous purchases in your credit card. Also, paying off your debt is a better option than moving it around. The most effective way to raise your credit score in this area is by paying down your revolving credit. Sometimes, owning the same amount but with fewer open accounts can help lower your score.
Improve Your Credit History
A trick used by some people in order to make it appear that they have a long credit history is to open multiple new accounts. But this scheme is too risky. If you open a lot of new accounts in a very short time, this could actually lower your score down and make you appear like a risky borrower.
21
May
2010
7 Simple Ways to Increase Your Credit Card Limit
Many credit card holders aspire for a higher credit card limit. The obvious reason for this is that a higher credit card limit enables the purchase of otherwise unaffordable merchandise.
First and foremost, credit card holders need to remember that to get a higher credit card limit, they must abide by the terms and conditions of the credit card company or bank.
Below are 7 other ways to get a higher credit card limit.
The most important thing to do for getting a higher credit card limit is to prove your credit worthiness. This is the first thing that banks and companies look for when giving a higher credit limit.
Attract positive attention from the credit card company or bank by paying finance charges once in a while. Obviously, this is not advisable on a repeating basis and should only be used as a last resort to increase your chances of getting a higher credit limit.
Proving to credit card companies and banks that you are good “borrower” can be a convincing way to get a higher credit limit. But be careful because this strategy also means that you will be paying finance charges which can accumulate in a hurry.
And always remember, a higher credit card limit means greater purchasing power, but it also increases the risk of your having to pay greater interest charges and other processing and late fees.
Always spend within your credit card limit because doing so means that you are capable of controlling your expenses.
Use your credit cards regularly. Dont keep your cards for emergency use only. If you use your credit cards sparingly, banks and credit card companies will be unable to understand your spending and pay-back behavior. Under these circumstances, most banks and credit card companies will be reluctant to give you a higher credit card limit.
Never make minimum payments. Instead, try to pay for the entire outstanding amount. This will usually give you a better chance of getting a higher credit card limit.
Avoid late payments as much as possible. Not only will your increase payment increase, but you may also have to pay an additional fine for not clearing bills on time. This will also dim your chances of getting a higher credit card limit.
The best and simplest strategy for getting a higher credit card limit is to use your credit card wisely. Always keep in mind that credit card companies keep a record of your transactions and payment patterns, so always pay on-time.
The bottom line is that your performance in the records of banks and credit card companies will determine whether youll get a higher credit card limit or not.
14
May
2010
5 Ways To Instantly Increase Your Credit Card Limit
A lot of credit card holders aspire for a higher credit card limit.
But: credit card holders need to remember that to get a higher credit card limit, they must abide by the terms and conditions of the credit card company or their bank.
Here are 5 ways to get a higher credit card limit:
1. Prove your credit worthiness
The most important thing to do for getting a higher credit card limit is to prove your credit worthiness. This is the first thing that banks and companies look for when giving a higher credit limit.
2. Attract positive attention from the credit card company
At least: try to attract positive attention by paying finance charges once in a while. Obviously, this is not advisable on a repeating basis and should only be used as a last resort to increase your chances of getting a higher credit limit.
Proving to credit card companies and banks that you are good “borrower” can be a convincing way to get a higher credit limit. But be careful because this strategy also means that you will be paying finance charges which can accumulate in a hurry.
3. Always spend within your credit card limit
Doing so means that you are capable of controlling your expenses.
4. Use your credit cards regularly
Dont keep your cards for emergency use only. If you use your credit cards sparingly, banks and credit card companies will be unable to understand your spending and pay-back behavior. Under these circumstances, most banks and credit card companies will be reluctant to give you a higher credit card limit.
5. Avoid late payments as much as possible
This technique will not only increase your payment increase, but you may also have to pay an additional fine for not clearing bills on time. This will also dim your chances of getting a higher credit card limit.
The bottom line is that your performance in the records of banks and credit card companies will determine whether youll get a higher credit card limit or not.