subject: Learn From These Credit Score Success Stories [print this page] * Check credit reports regularly* Check credit reports regularly. At least once per year or three months in advance of applying for a loan or credit, check your reports, which are free annually through AnnualCreditReport.com. "Dispute any incorrect entries," Cunningham said. "Make sure it's about you and only you."
* Pay on time. It seems simple, but paying on time is the highest weighted component of your credit score, accounting for 35 percent of the score, according to Cunningham. "If you're a procrastinator, unorganized or if you travel for work, set up automatic bill pay in an amount that will at least pay your minimum [payment] by the due date," she said.
* Don't max out your credit. Aim to use no more than 30 percent of your available credit to avoid costly fees and being put into a risk category. It's also a good idea to pay down your cards. "As your cards are paid down, it is likely that you will see an improvement in your credit score, as the computation takes into account your ability to repay your debt more easily," said Jones.
* Be careful about closing unused accounts. Have a few credit cards paid off that you don't want to use anymore? You might be better off keeping them open. "Closing unused accounts will lower your overall available credit and negatively impact your credit utilization ratio," explained Cunningham.
* Resist paying for everything on credit. "Chances are that using cash more often will make you a better steward of the money you have each month after paying necessary bills," Jones said. "As your spending patterns improve, so will your credit score."
