Fix Credit - is that easy to do and who needs it?
You don't necessary have to have a bad credit to fix it. Even if you have a good credit you could find something to fix on your credit report if you look at it often and carefully consider the validity on each item on your report... I recommend that you attempt to fix your credit report every time before you're applying for a mortgage or car loans. Do it 5 to 6 months in advance, and as the result you'll get a better interest rates and save money.
Of course, you must try to fix bad credit ... but don't do it just because it's bad... do it even if it's not bad. The fact is, many people don't realize how much money they can save on interest rates by fixing a few errors or by cleaning up a few old items on their credit reports. By doing that they can substantially improve their credit scores and achieve greater savings.
Fix Credit - first step
To start fixing your credit, order your credit report to see what it contains.
You are entitled to get a copy of your free credit report if you have been denied credit. Credit bureau that reported the negative information must send it to you. You have 60 days to apply. Generally try to check your credit report every 6 months just to make sure it is accurate. Many banks and credit card issuers offer you free credit reports at least from one agency and certain mail offer give you free reports if you open a new credit card or line of credit. Often you can cancel after one month. So ordering your credit report is a good first step to fix your credit.
Fix Credit - second step
Once you have your report, check all the information that is contained in the order of importance:
- your full name (and any previous names)
- Social Security number, telephone number
- lawsuits, liens, bankruptcy information
- your credit history
- current and previous address
- employment history
- marriages, divorces
Here are few more details what to look for while trying to fix credit. Most important things are:
- your name, Social Security number and address
- incorrect account histories - late payments when you've paid on time
- accounts that you know you never opened
- lawsuits you were not involved in
- liens that you never had
- liens that were discharged as a part of a bankruptcy but still appears
- bankruptcies that are more than ten years old
- any negative information about you that is more than seven years old
- credit inquiries older than two years
- a missing notation when you've disputed a charge on a credit card bill
- closed accounts incorrectly listed as open
- any account that is not listed as "closed by consumer" if you did close it
Fix Credit - start here
To get better understanding of your credit report and eventually fix credit, visit the Credit Report pages that provide detailed information.
Clean Up my Credit Report
Improve my Credit Score
