Everyone wants to have a credit report free of problems. But not everyone knows how to do it.
And while it's easy to get a copy of your credit report free, it does take some work to maintain
good credit. The following tips are designed to help:
1) After you get your credit report free, most experts suggest you buy a copy at least every
six months to a year. It's also best to get a copy from each of the major credit bureaus,
Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Confirm that the information is accurate and complete in
each report. If not, notify the bureau involved and it will be required to investigate any
serious dispute.
2) If you're married or living with someone, make sure you establish a separate credit record.
Joint accounts can build credit, but if you're ever separated it's best to also have a credit
file solely in your own name.
3) Be consistent in providing your identifying information when applying for credit. Make
sure you use the same version of your name and address each time and that your Social Security
number is accurate. Doing this will help keep all your information in one credit file.
4) Don't cosign or grant credit authorization to someone with bad credit. This often ends
badly and you can't keep your credit report free of problems if you take on someone else's.
5) Pay your bills on time. It not only eliminates finance charges, but more importantly, it
doesn't contribute to a poor credit history.
6) Don't just pay the minimum. If you pay only the minimum, the interest charges can make
the cost of a purchase twice the original price.
7) Own as few credit cards as possible. This not only helps you avoid overspending, but it
also helps your credit standing. When creditors look at your credit report, they check how much
available credit you have and if it's excessive in relation to your income, they can turn down
your application.
8) Establish your credit history early. An easy way to establish credit at any age is with a
secured credit card. The card usually has a credit limit of approximately the security deposit
amount you make with the card issuer.
9) When checking your credit report, make sure that the accounts where you've established
credit are reporting your payment record and are doing so accurately.
10) When applying for credit keep in mind that creditors use different credit rating systems.
So what's not acceptable credit for one may be acceptable for another.
To get your credit report free and 30 days of credit monitoring free, please go to
free instant credit reports.
