To boost your credit score…

  •  Keep the percentage of revolving credit you use—such as credit cards—to 30% or less, and -ideally no more than 10%, of the total revolving credit you have.
  • Leave favorable old accounts on your credit report—that means debt you have paid off as agreed, such as a car loan or even a credit card you’ve had for a long time.
  • When shopping for home, auto or student loans, make all your applications within a short time period—ideally within 14 days. Each credit application causes your score to decline slightly, but multiple applications in a short period of time are treated as a single inquiry, so it is OK to shop around.
  • Always pay bills on time, and aim to pay down your debts over time.

Helpful: You are allowed one free report a year from each credit bureau—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—and you can request those free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Also, myBankrate.com provides free access to your TransUnion credit report and credit score each month.

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