What is the best way to increase your credit score?

Hello All -

I've been working hard on my credit in order to get a home loan.

After sending letters to all three credit bureaus, clearly away debt by doing it the right way and paying it, I am still left with a pretty low score.

I do have a few more small items to remove, but I've been 100% on-time with my payments for my car loan.

It clear that I need more revolving credit - I do not have any credit cards and I do not qualify to get one. Would a secured credit card work? Would this help me bring up my score?

I have a small personal loan through my credit union, which again I am 100% on-time with the payments. Although, I do not see the loan being reported on my credit report yet. Should I bug my bank and ask them to report it?

Right now, I am using Credit Karma (I've heard good and bad stuff about this app, but it does seem helpful and its free).

You're thoughts are much appreciated with this

- Nikki

 

On of the dirty little secrets of credit score ratings is that every time someone runs a check it depletes your score a little. A co-worker of mine just went through this while looking at several houses through several banks and realtors. While they were all busy checking and rechecking his score, it was decreased significantly. Be careful with this.

 

No expert here...so take these as things to consider, not facts.
Even with that, I've been out of that industry long enough that some of what I write may be outdated.

Things to consider:
1. The amount you COULD borrow (credit limits) counts against you.
2. If you have open lines that you don't use...close them.
3. revolving credit behavior counts for you...your question about the secured card...yes, and use it..and pay it off in full every month.
4. exception to #3...make the minimum payment one month...then pay it off. the amount you revolved over the month counts for you.
5. every time someone looks at your credit report...it counts against you (including you looking at it yourself through credit karma)

The credit score is a measure of risk...
do you pay your bills on time?
How many bills to you have, and how well do you pay them on time...the more paid on time, the higher the score.
Can they make money from you?
If you don't revolve credit, the lender didn't make money off you...your score goes down.

 

I found this article about credit card myths online. I thought it might help you. http://www.forbes.com/sites/financi...credit-myths-that-could-be-costing-you-money/

Here is one on how checking your credit score affects it. http://www.myfico.com/crediteducation/creditchecks/inquiries.aspx

From what I have read, checking your own credit score creates what is called a soft inquiry, and does not affect your credit score.

 

Good info from Beachman...

All the same, the idea that your credit score determines your credit-worthiness is in itself a myth. Credit score is one of many tools that can be used to determine if a loan is made, and at what rate.

It may indeed be that "soft inquiries" do not affect the numerical score anymore...I don't know...they used to.

I have personally turned down a credit application (25 years ago) because there were 20 self-inquiries. When you look at your own report that many times, you're typically trying to hide something and are therefore higher risk.

In the same manner, multiple inquiries from anywhere that do not have a matching credit line open on the same report begs the question, "Why did THAT company turn them down?" and raises your risk. {Think "timeshare" promo meeting...any time you give your name and address during a sales pitch, they are running your credit report}

Keep firmly in mind that credit is a statistics game...good credit scores can default on loans, and bad ones may pay on time...when it comes to applying for a loan, you cease to be a person, and become a statistical risk/reward scenario. Arrange your behavior prior to application in light of that.

 

Keep up the good work. And be patient.

 

And remember that it just takes time as well.

 

Thanks everyone. I truly appreciate your feedback and advice. I am currently creating a budget - attempting to stick to it as much as possible - and I should be able to pay off these debts little by little. In a couple months I have a plan to get a secured credit card - I plan to use it only for gassing up my car and yes I will pay it off completely each month.

I've been digging into this credit stuff for a number of years now and have learned a lot. And even more lately with all of your help.

Thank you so much.

Hopefully within the next 6 months or so I will be showing you all pictures of my new home *fingers crossed*

 

One other thing to consider, if you are in a small town, forge relationships with 1 locally owned bank. Once they get to know you, they may be more willing to work around the issues with your credit score. Also, credit unions are good places to go as well. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

 

Best way to increase your credit score that I have found - don't have credit. Reduce the availability of credit and this will improve the score - too much available revolving credit will work against you. Get rid of the CC and close store accounts etc.

 

So a quick update and question on this - so I got myself a secured credit card - and holy smokes - a month later and my score has jumped 15 points!

So my question.... Is it possible to get approved for a home loan if you still have a little debt in collections? If you have the required credit score, and you have the employment history needed... can you get approved for a mortgage?

 

My experience has been no, but I didn't shop around either.

 

Thanks Guys... That's what I thought... The debt isn't much... Maybe $2,000.00 total.. But I really want to get the ball rolling on this so I thought I would ask.

 

Thanks Andy!

 

Yeah I checked out every program under the sun. I didn't qualify for many because of my income. At this point, I am aiming for First Time Home Buyers.

 

I would encourage some patience as well. I had no credit but paid off a used vehicle loan and within a couple years my score was in the 700s without even trying. Granted I didn't have debt first but the idea was similar, pay the debt off and get a vehicle paid off. I think in the long run you would be happier with a slight delay for better monthly payments.