Hi Curlies -
One of my goals is to improve my credit score. After a major blow a while back, I've slowly gotten my score back into good range and now I'm itching to get it to excellent, lol. Has anyone made or can make suggestions on how to significantly raise your score? I know it takes time, but like I said, It's one of my major goals so I'm going for it.

Between 700 and 850 – Very good or excellent credit score.
Between 680 and 699 – Good credit score.
Between 620 and 679 – Average or OK score.
Between 580 and 619 – Low credit score.
Between 500 and 579 – Poor credit score.
Between 300 and 499 – Bad credit score.

I have a car loan, school payments (3, eek!), retail cards (Macy's, NY&C0, Victoria Secret) and a personal loan. I pay them monthly and am never late. I had a regular credit card but closed it when it got me in trouble (yes, I blame the card not ME, LOL) and have been paying that off monthly. Was thinking of reopening that card, but would have to tell BOA to lower the credit limit.

Idk, but am going to lurk bcuz I want to do the same.

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You should never close the accounts, just pay them off. Closing them looks bad on the credit report. Besides what you are currently doing now, paying everything on time _ I say you are doing pretty good. I would aim to pay off the student loans and personal loans and keep credit cards a 1/2 of the max. You don't want to have too much going on. All you really need is one major credit card - that offers reward incentives. The car alone and maybe one credit card does wonders to improve your score. Just make sure all creditors are reporting.

Having too much may conflict with you if you ever want to buy a house. Debt to income ratio will come into play - even if you have a perfect score. Banks have gotten very strict about lending - escpecially in the housing market. You have to have just as much coming as you have going out (money wise).

We all have had credit issues. I did away with credit cards, I use my check card for all purchases or cash. I have car loans and that's about it. I hope to purchase a house in the next couple of years.

I'm working on building my credit. Its so hard though when u start out with no credit but it does take time....a lot of time.

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I just closed my oldest account with Capital one. I know people say don't close them but I haven't used it in over three years and I got tired of paying a $39 member fee for something that had a zero balance. Hopefully my credit will survive that.

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You can try writing the credit bureau to dispute any discrepancies on your report if you have any.

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I would suggest using the debt snowball plan as part of your journey to be debt free. You can read about it here and it even has a worksheet you can use. Get Out of Debt with the Debt Snowball Plan - daveramsey.com

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I am trying to up my credit so bad because I have NOTHING on my credit report.

I have a student loan I am a month ahead on, a store credit card and thats it. Never had a car payment, or owned a house. Its so hard. I tried to get a car loan and no one will give me one without a co-signer and none of my family was going with that (But Im not hating on not having a car payment! I'm loving it! lol).

Trying to open a major credit card. Maybe Capital One.

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Try to go with a credit union. I hear bad things abt Capital One. Ask for the minimum and after a year, ask for an increase. This is what help kick start my credit. Its good to have at least two major credit cards on your credit report. Also have a revolving acct such as furniture, or car payment for example.

If you've never bought a car before, they don't let first time car buyers purchase a car without a co-signer which is stupid. Definitely go with a credit union like the PP said. If you know any close friends or family members who bank with Navy Federal, have them help you get an account with them. They will give you a car loan in a heartbeat! Also, you can get a credit card through them as well. They work with you too.


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