subject: Ways On How To Clean Your Credit Report [print this page] Having bad credit does not have to be a lasting problem. There are some practical steps that anyone with bad credit can do to straighten out the situation. Here are some tips on how to repair bad credit:
Put a halt to your credit card use. If you find it hard to pay off your existing credit card debts then obviously you should stop using your credit cards until you regain control. Continuously using your credit cards will only cause your debts to accumulate and make it harder for you to keep up.
Order a copy of your credit report. It is important for you to be aware of the status of all your accounts to different creditors. The best way to do this is by getting a copy of your report from any of the three major credit bureaus. This will help you see and examine your credit situation more closely and plan the necessary actions.
Pay your past due debts. Unpaid debts can lower your credit score by 35%. Imagine how damaging it can be to your credit standing. The only solution to improve your credit score is to pay off your bills and/or creditors. Try to find ways on how you can earn additional income to make payments.
Do not apply for new credit. Submitting new credit applications to other lenders will only make everything worse. This isn't the time to get a car loan or a mortgage loan. When a lender makes an inquiry in your credit report, you'll most likely get rejected. Declined credit applications will only bring more damage to your credit score.
Do not immediately close your old accounts. You might think that closing your old credit cards can help you deal with bad credit better. On the contrary, canceling old accounts is like erasing the oldest parts of your credit history. The length of your credit history is a big factor to your credit score. The longer credit history you have, the better it is for your score.
Get in touch with your creditors. If paying off your debts is too difficult for you, talking with your creditors is the best way to deal with the problem. Be honest and explain why you failed to keep up with your payments. Request for a repayment plan from your creditors. Show them that you are trying your best to pay back your debts and protect your credit.
Adjust your spending habits. Clearly, you will need all the savings you can get to be able to make payments. Create a monthly budget plan and try to stretch your monthly income accordingly. Look for ways to save on your electricity, cable, and telephone bills. Bring your own lunch to work instead of eating out.
Get help. If the problem is with your spending, then perhaps you would need to seek professional help. Find a legitimate credit counselor to help you deal with the problem. It will take an enormous amount of will, determination and self-control but you have to be willing to make sacrifices to work out a solution.
