Check Your Credit Report Annually
Credit card companies and lenders rely on credit scores, which determine someone’s chances to borrow money, and how favorable the terms will be.
Check your own score yearly by ordering reports from the three major credit scoring companies: Equifax (www.equifax.com), Experian (www.experian.com), and TransUnion (www.tuc.com). You can also use a site like, Credit Karma, to monitor your scores at no cost to you.
Notify the credit bureau of inaccuracies. Close accounts not in use. Request that late payments older than seven years be removed. Verify and update accounts and account numbers. Verify address and Social Security number.
How to Improve Your Score: Pay your bills on time. Keep your credit card balance under 25% of your line of credit. Reduce outstanding debt. Build up your savings. Don’t fall for illegal schemes that help you create a new credit identity.