Say Goodbye to Bad Credit: A Step-by-Step Guide to Credit Repair

1. First things first: Check your credit report to see where you stand

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2. Catch up on overdue bills

If you have overdue bills that you’re unable to pay immediately, it’s important to take action to address the situation as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take to manage and pay off your overdue bills. When you begin looking to rebuild your credit you have to start with the basics, like figuring out if you can afford you current bills.

The simple truth is that you cannot expect to repair your credit if you do not have the money to do so. I always recommend that you take some time and tally all of your monthly payments with all of your daily expenses. Then take your income and minus the previous calculation which shows how much money you are actually left with after you pay for all your expenses. If that number is negative you have to make some cuts. You just have to think of anything that you spend money on all the time, but really don’t need. This might just end up being a trip to the store before work or a stop at the bar after work.

Don’t cut up all your old credit cards, this isn’t going to help. You just need to stop over-using them and start using them wisely. Use the credit cards as a tool to boost your credit rather than something that will harm your credit. You want to use your credit cards, but – at least in the beginning – not much more than a little bit each month. Doing this will keep your credit going, but you’ll have to pay more than you’re spending if you want to make this work.

1. Make a list of all your overdue bills, including the creditor’s name, the amount owed, and the due date. This will help you prioritize which bills to pay first and give you a sense of the overall scope of the problem.
2. Contact your creditors to explain your situation and try to work out a payment plan. Many creditors are willing to work with you to set up a payment plan or extend the due date of your bill if you are unable to pay it in full.
3. Consider consolidating your debts. If you have multiple overdue bills, consolidating them into a single loan or card may make it easier to manage and pay off your debts.
4. Explore options for debt relief or assistance. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for debt relief or assistance programs that can help you pay off your overdue bills.
5. Create a budget with a payment schedule and stick to it. This is important in order to avoid credit missteps in the future. Make sure to allocate enough money towards your bills and other necessary expenses to avoid falling behind on payments.
6. Pay highest interest cards first. Once you have developed a budget that works well with paying off all of your bills, make sure that you are using any extra money on your highest interest bearing accounts. Pay all extra amounts to the highest interest account because those are the ones that you are losing the most money on. This may not seem like it factors into your credit score, but in the long run it will matter. This is going to put you on the fast track to financial success which always goes hand in hand with a rising credit score.
7. Seek professional help if you need it. If you are having trouble managing your debts and bills, consider seeking the help of a financial professional or a credit counselor. They can provide you with personalized advice and guidance on how to pay off your overdue bills and get your finances back on track.

3. Dispute errors

If you believe that there is an error on your credit report, you have the right to dispute the error with the credit bureau that issued the report. Here are the steps you can take to dispute errors on your credit report:

1. Review your credit report: Obtain a copy of your credit report from the credit bureau and carefully review it for errors. Look for incorrect account balances, incorrect account status, incorrect personal information, and accounts that do not belong to you.
2. Gather supporting documentation: If you find an error on your credit report, gather any documentation that supports your claim that the information is incorrect. This may include billing statements, receipts, or other documents that show the correct information.
3. Contact the credit bureau: Contact the credit bureau that issued the credit report and inform them of the error. You can do this by phone, email, or through their online dispute process.
4. Provide the credit bureau with your supporting documentation: When you contact the credit bureau, be sure to provide them with any supporting documentation you have gathered. This will help them understand why you believe the information is incorrect and allow them to investigate the error.
5. Wait for the credit bureau to investigate: The credit bureau will investigate your dispute and determine whether the information on your credit report is accurate. This process can take up to 30 days.
6. Check the results of the investigation: After the credit bureau has completed its investigation, you will receive a letter indicating the results of the investigation. If the error has been corrected, your credit report will be updated to reflect the correct information. If the error has not been corrected, you can continue to dispute the error or seek additional help, such as contacting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or consulting with a consumer law attorney.

4. Pay your bills on time

Seems obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. The credit bureaus keep track of most of your payments. Late payments can have a significant negative impact on your credit score. Payment history is one of the most important factors that credit scoring models consider when calculating your credit score, so there’s no fudging here and no excuses. Just do it.

When you make a payment late – even if it’s not to a bank or credit union – it can indicate to prospective lenders that you may not be reliable when it comes to paying back your debts, which can make it harder for you to get approved for new credit or loans in the future. And if you do get approved, you’ll probably pay more for the privilege.

If you have a history of making late payments, it can also lead to higher interest rates on your credit cards and loans, as lenders may view you as a higher risk borrower.

Then everything will cost more: Car payments, credit card payments, and any other loans you get, even insurance can cost more. Some employers look at your credit too when applying for jobs. Yikes.

It’s important to make all of your payments on time, as even one late payment can have a lasting impact on your credit score. If you’re having trouble making your payments on time, it’s important to reach out to your creditors and try to work out a payment plan. This can help to prevent late payments from happening in the future and can also help to minimize the negative impact on your credit score.

5. Don’t use your full credit limit

Your credit limit, which is the maximum amount of credit that a lender will extend to you, can affect your credit score in a few different ways.

One way that credit limit can impact your credit score is by influencing your credit utilization ratio, which is the amount of credit you’re using compared to the amount of credit available to you. People who have multiple credit card balances and pay one credit card with another are just making things worse.

Credit utilization is a factor that credit scoring models consider when calculating your credit score, and it’s generally best to keep your credit utilization as low as possible. For example, if you have a credit card with a limit of $1,000 and you have a balance of $200, your credit utilization would be 20%.

If you have a high credit utilization ratio, it can indicate to lenders that you may be relying too heavily on credit and that you may not be able to pay back your debts. This can have a negative impact on your credit score. On the other hand, if you have a low credit utilization ratio, it can indicate to lenders that you’re using credit responsibly and that you have good financial management skills. This can help to improve your credit score.

In addition to credit utilization, credit limit can also affect your credit score by influencing the types of credit accounts you have. For example, having a high credit limit on a credit card may be seen as a positive factor by credit scoring models, as it can indicate that you have a strong credit history and that you’re able to manage credit responsibly. On the other hand, having a low credit limit, or no credit limit at all, may be seen as a negative factor, as it can indicate that you have less experience with credit or that you may be a higher risk borrower.

Overall, it’s important to manage your credit limit responsibly and to use credit wisely in order to maintain a good credit score.

6. Get yourself a secured credit card

Secured credit cards can be a helpful tool for building or improving your credit if used responsibly. A secured credit card is a type of credit card that requires a security deposit as collateral. The credit limit on a secured credit card is usually equal to the amount of the security deposit.

There are several types of credit cards that can help you build credit, including:

1. Secured credit cards: These cards require a security deposit, which becomes your credit limit. They are designed for people with little or no credit history.
2. Student credit cards: These cards are tailored to students who are just starting to build their credit. They often have lower credit limits and may have special features such as cash back on textbooks or other student-related purchases.
3. Store credit cards: Many department stores and other retailers offer credit cards that can only be used at that store. These can be a good option if you have no credit or poor credit and can make the payments on time.
4. Credit-builder credit cards: These are designed specifically to help individuals establish or rebuild credit. The lender may give a small credit limit and sometimes have a high interest rate.
5. Co-signed credit cards: If you have no credit history, a co-signer with good credit can help you get approved for a credit card.

Using a secured credit card can help to build your credit in a few different ways:

1. Payment history: By making on-time payments on your secured credit card, you can establish a positive payment history, which is an important factor that credit scoring models consider when calculating your credit score.
2. Credit utilization: The credit utilization ratio, which is the amount of credit you’re using compared to the amount of credit available to you, is another factor that credit scoring models consider. By using a secured credit card and keeping your balances low, you can show lenders that you’re using credit responsibly and that you have good financial management skills.
3. Credit mix: Having a diverse mix of credit accounts, such as a secured credit card in addition to other types of credit, can also be seen as a positive factor by credit scoring models.

It’s important to remember that a secured credit card is still a credit card, and it’s important to use it responsibly in order to build your credit. This means making on-time payments, keeping your balances low, and avoiding maxing out your credit limit. By using a secured credit card responsibly, you can establish a positive credit history and improve your credit score over time.

7. Apply for a “credit-builder loan” or secured loan

A secured loan is a type of loan that requires collateral in order to secure the loan. This means that if you default on the loan, the lender can seize the collateral as payment for the loan. Common types of collateral for secured loans include assets such as a car or a home.

Secured loans can be a useful tool for rebuilding credit if used responsibly. By making on-time payments on a secured loan, you can establish a positive payment history, which is an important factor that credit scoring models consider when calculating your credit score. A positive payment history can help to improve your credit score over time.

In addition to payment history, credit scoring models also consider other factors such as credit utilization and credit mix. By using a secured loan and keeping your balances low, you can show lenders that you’re using credit responsibly and that you have good financial management skills. This can also help to improve your credit score.

It’s important to remember that a secured loan is still a loan, and it’s important to use it responsibly in order to rebuild your credit. This means making on-time payments, keeping your balances low, and avoiding defaulting on the loan. By using a secured loan responsibly, you can establish a positive credit history and improve your credit score over time.

8. Become an “authorized user”

Becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card account can be a way to rebuild your credit if you have a limited or negative credit history. As an authorized user, you’re not responsible for paying the credit card bills, but you’re able to use the credit card to make purchases. The primary cardholder is responsible for paying the bills, but your credit score can still be affected by the account.

One potential benefit of becoming an authorized user is that you can build a positive credit history by using the credit card responsibly. If the primary cardholder makes on-time payments and keeps the balances low, it can have a positive impact on your credit score. This can be especially helpful if you don’t have any other credit accounts or if you have a negative credit history.

It’s important to keep in mind that becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card account is not a guarantee that your credit score will improve. The credit card account and payment history will still appear on your credit report, but it will be labeled as an authorized user account, which can be seen as a less significant factor by some credit scoring models.

If you’re considering becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card account as a way to rebuild your credit, it’s important to make sure that the primary cardholder is using the credit card responsibly and paying the bills on time. It’s also a good idea to make sure that the credit card account is reported to the credit bureaus, as not all credit card accounts are automatically reported. By using the credit card responsibly and making sure that the account is reported to the credit bureaus, you can potentially improve your credit score over time.

9. Have a co-signer when you borrow

Have a friend or relative who’s your knight in shining armor? A co-signer is someone who agrees to be responsible for the loan if you default on it. Having them as a co-signer on a loan can help you to improve your credit in a few different ways.  Co-signers are often used when a borrower doesn’t have a strong credit history or may not meet the lender’s credit requirements on their own.

One way that having a co-signer on a loan can help to improve your credit is by giving you access to credit that you might not otherwise be able to get. By taking out a loan and making on-time payments, you can establish a positive payment history, which is an important factor that credit scoring models consider when calculating your credit score.

In addition to payment history, credit scoring models also consider other factors such as credit utilization and credit mix. By taking out a loan and keeping your balances low, you can show lenders that you’re using credit responsibly and that you have good financial management skills. This can also help to improve your credit score.

It’s important to remember that having a co-signer on a loan is not a guarantee that your credit score will improve. The loan and payment history will still appear on your credit report, and it’s important to make on-time payments and use the loan responsibly in order to improve your credit score. If you default on the loan, it can have a negative impact on your credit score and on the co-signer’s credit score as well. It could risk your relationship with that person, so don’t take the obligation lightly, and for goodness sake, don’t default on your monthly payments.

Overall, getting a co-signer on a loan can be a helpful way to improve your credit, but it’s important to use the loan responsibly and make on-time payments in order to see the full benefit.

10. Pay more than the minimum payment

Credit usage is important too. It’s okay to make the minimum payment, but doing it consistently tells the credit authorities that you might only be scraping by with your existing obligations, which will make it difficult for you to obtain new credit.

11. Raise your FICO^® score instantly with Experian Boost™

Experian Boost is a feature offered by Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus in the United States. Experian Boost allows users to add their utility and telecommunications payments to their credit report, which can potentially increase their credit score.

To use Experian Boost, users must first sign up for a free Experian account and link your bank account. Experian will then search for utility and telecommunications payments made from the linked bank account and add it to the your credit report. The payments must be current and paid on time to be considered for inclusion in the credit report.

By including utility and telecommunications payments in your credit report, you may be able to demonstrate to lenders that you’re responsible with your payments, which can potentially increase your credit score. However, it is important to note that Experian Boost is not a guarantee that your credit score will increase. The impact on your credit score will depend on a variety of factors, including your overall credit history and the specifics of your credit report.

Other Ways To Rebuild Bad Credit

Here are some little-known ways to rebuild credit:

1. Rent reporting: Some landlords and property management companies report rental payments to the credit bureaus. If you are a tenant and make your rent payments on time, this can help improve your credit score.
2. Use a credit-builder savings account: A credit-builder account is a type of savings account that helps you build credit by making regular payments into the account. As you make your payments, the account balance grows and is reported to the credit bureaus, helping you build a positive credit history.
3. Enroll in a credit repair program: Credit repair programs can help you address errors or negative items on your credit report that are negatively impacting your credit score. These programs can be a good option if you are unable to resolve issues with the credit bureaus on your own.
4. Use a credit union: Credit unions are non-profit financial institutions that often have more lenient approval requirements than banks. If you have bad credit, you may have better luck getting approved for a loan or credit card through a credit union.

What’s Influencing Your Credit Scores?

Your credit score (known as your FICO® Score) is based on information from five main components of your financial profile:

1. Payment history (35%)
2. Amounts owed (30%)
3. Length of credit history (15%)
4. New credit (10%)
5. Credit mix (10%)

These factors are explained below:

• If You Any Payment History Problems

Payment history accounts for about 35% of your credit score, making it the largest factor. Payment history refers to whether you have made your payments on time or if you have missed any payments.

If you have a history of making your payments on time, it can have a positive impact on your credit score. This demonstrates to lenders that you are responsible and reliable when it comes to paying your debts. On the other hand, if you have a history of missing payments or making late payments, it can have a negative impact on your credit score. This can indicate to lenders that you may be a higher risk borrower and that they may be less likely to be repaid if they lend to you.

To maintain a good credit score, it is important to make all of your payments on time, every time. If you are having trouble making your payments, it is important to communicate with your creditors and come up with a plan to catch up on your debts. If you are unable to make your payments, you may want to consider seeking the help of a credit counselor or financial advisor.

• Issues With How Much You Owe

Debt amount, also known as credit utilization, is the amount of credit you are using compared to the amount of credit you have available. Credit utilization is a factor that can impact your credit score, although it is not as significant as payment history. Credit utilization accounts for about 30% of your credit score.

Imagine a credit card company said you could have $1,000 in available credit and you used $350 of that, your credit utilization would be at 35% which is right around the maximum that you would want to take it. I always recommend that you never exceed this number and if you do, you bring it back down as fast as you can. When you reduce your utilization your credit score goes up fairly quickly.

Having a high credit utilization, or using a large amount of your available credit, can have a negative impact on your credit score. This can indicate to lenders that you may be overusing your credit and that you may be at risk of becoming overwhelmed by debt. On the other hand, having a low credit utilization, or using a small amount of your available credit, can have a positive impact on your credit score. This can indicate to lenders that you are managing your credit responsibly and that you are not relying too heavily on borrowing.

To maintain a good credit score, it is important to keep your credit utilization low. One way to do this is to pay down your debts as quickly as possible. Another way is to increase your credit limits, which will help lower your credit utilization. Keep in mind that it is important to use credit responsibly, even if you have a low credit utilization. This means paying your bills on time and not taking on more credit than you can handle.

• Length of Your Credit History

Length of credit history is a factor that can impact your credit score. It refers to the amount of time that you have been using credit. Length of credit history accounts for about 15% of your credit score.

Having a long credit history can be beneficial for your credit score because it demonstrates to lenders that you have a track record of using credit responsibly over a long period of time. This can make you a more attractive borrower and may result in a higher credit score. On the other hand, having a short credit history can make it more difficult to establish a good credit score, as you have less of a track record to demonstrate your creditworthiness.

As you use credit and pay your bills on time over a longer period of time, your credit history will lengthen and this may help improve your credit score.

• Having New Credit

New credit refers to any credit that you have recently obtained, such as opening a new credit card account or taking out a loan. New credit is a factor that can impact your credit score, although it is not as significant as payment history or credit utilization. New credit accounts for about 10% of your credit score.

Applying for new credit can have a temporary negative impact on your credit score. This is because each time you apply for credit, the lender will check your credit report and this will result in a “hard inquiry” on your credit report. Hard inquiries can have a small negative impact on your credit score because they can indicate to lenders that you are seeking a lot of credit in a short period of time. This can raise red flags for lenders and make them view you as a higher risk borrower.

On the other hand, if you are approved for new credit and use it responsibly, it can have a positive impact on your credit score over time. This is because using credit responsibly, such as paying your bills on time and keeping your credit utilization low, can demonstrate to lenders that you are a responsible borrower.

• Your Credit Mix

Credit mix is the variety of different types of credit that you have, such as credit cards, loans, and mortgages. Credit mix is a factor that can impact your credit score, although it is not as significant as payment history or credit utilization. Credit mix accounts for about 10% of your credit score.

Having a diverse credit mix, or using a variety of different types of credit, can be beneficial for your credit score. This can demonstrate to lenders that you are able to manage different types of credit responsibly and that you are not relying too heavily on any one type of credit. On the other hand, having a limited credit mix, or only using one or two types of credit, can have a negative impact on your credit score. This can indicate to lenders that you have less experience managing credit and may be a higher risk borrower.

How Long Does It Take To Rebuild Bad Credit?

The length of time it takes to rebuild bad credit depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the credit damage and the steps taken to repair it. Some people may be able to rebuild their credit relatively quickly, while others may need more time to make significant progress.

Here are a few factors that can affect how long it takes to rebuild bad credit:

1. The severity of the credit damage: If you have a poor credit score due to a small number of missed payments or a short credit history, it may be easier to rebuild your credit than if you have a long history of defaulted loans or unpaid debts.
2. The steps you take to repair your credit: Taking proactive steps to repair your credit, such as paying off outstanding debts, disputing errors on your credit report, and using credit responsibly, can help you rebuild your credit more quickly.
3. The length of time you’ve had bad credit: The longer you’ve had bad credit, the longer it may take to rebuild it. This is because credit scores are based on a person’s credit history, and it can take time to establish a positive credit history.

Overall, it’s difficult to predict exactly how long it will take to rebuild bad credit, as it depends on individual circumstances. However, with a commitment to improving your credit and establishing a good payment history, you can work towards rebuilding your credit over time.

Hidden Factors that Affect Credit Scores

There are several hidden factors that can affect a person’s credit score, and many people are unaware of these factors and how they can impact their credit rating. Here are a few examples of hidden factors that can affect credit scores:

1. Credit report errors: Credit reports can sometimes contain errors, such as incorrect account balances or misreported payment histories. These errors can have a negative impact on a person’s credit score, and it’s important to regularly review your credit report and dispute any errors you find.
2. Credit report inquiries: Inquiries can affect a person’s credit score, although the impact may vary depending on the type of inquiry and the credit scoring model being used.An inquiry occurs when a lender checks your credit report as part of the process of deciding whether to extend you credit. There are two types of inquiries:

1. Hard inquiries, also known as “hard pulls,” occur when a lender checks your credit report as part of a specific credit application. Hard inquiries can slightly lower your credit score, but the impact is usually minor and temporary.
2. Soft inquiries, also known as “soft pulls,” occur when a lender checks your credit report for reasons other than a specific credit application. Examples include when you check your own credit report or when a lender pre-approves you for a credit card. Soft inquiries do not affect your credit score.

In general, the impact of an inquiry on your credit score will depend on how many inquiries you have and how recently they were made. If you have a lot of hard inquiries in a short period of time, it could be a red flag to lenders and could potentially hurt your credit score. However, if you have a long history of responsible credit use and a low credit utilization rate, a few additional inquiries may not have a significant impact on your credit score.

1. Medical debt: Medical debt can sometimes have a different impact on a person’s credit score than other types of debt. Medical debt is often reported to credit bureaus differently than other debts, and it may not be included in a credit score.

Barriers To Rebuilding Bad Credit

There are several barriers that can make it difficult to rebuild bad credit, including:

1. High debt: If you have a high level of debt, it can be difficult to pay off your debts and improve your credit score. This is particularly true if you have high interest rates or late fees on your debts, which can make it more difficult to make progress in paying off your debts.
2. Limited credit history: If you have a limited credit history, it can be difficult to demonstrate to lenders that you are a responsible borrower. This can make it harder to qualify for new credit and may lead to higher interest rates if you are approved for credit.
3. Negative items on your credit report: Negative items on your credit report, such as late payments, collections, or bankruptcy, can have a significant negative impact on your credit score and make it more difficult to rebuild your credit.
4. Lack of financial resources: If you have limited financial resources, it can be difficult to make progress in paying off your debts and improving your credit score. This may be due to low income, high expenses, or other financial obligations that make it difficult to allocate money towards paying off debts.
5. Limited access to credit: If you have a low credit score or limited credit history, you may have difficulty accessing credit or may only qualify for credit with high interest rates or fees. This can make it more difficult to rebuild your credit over time.

If you are facing any of these barriers to rebuilding your credit, it is important to take a proactive approach and seek out resources and strategies that can help you overcome these challenges. This may include working with a financial professional or a credit counselor, exploring options for debt relief or consolidation, or finding ways to increase your income or reduce your expenses.

Credit score myths – did you believe any of these?

There are many myths and misconceptions about credit scores that can lead to confusion and misinformation. Here are some common credit score myths:

1. Checking your credit score will lower it. Checking your own credit score does not have an impact on your credit score. However, applying for credit or having multiple lenders check your credit within a short period of time can have a temporary negative impact on your credit score.
2. Closing credit card accounts is always good for your credit score. Closing credit card accounts can actually have a negative impact on your credit score because it reduces the amount of credit available to you and can lower your credit utilization ratio.
3. Only credit card debt affects your credit score. Your credit score is based on all types of credit accounts, including credit card debt, mortgages, auto loans, and student loans.
4. Paying off a collection account will remove it from your credit report. While paying off a collection account may improve your credit score, it will not remove the account from your credit report. The account will be marked as “paid” or “closed,” but it will still be reflected on your credit report for up to seven years.
5. Credit scores are permanent. Credit scores are not permanent and can change over time based on your credit history and financial behavior.
6. You can improve your credit score by paying off old debts. While paying off old debts can certainly help improve your credit score, it is important to remember that credit scores also take into account more recent credit history. Therefore, it is important to maintain good credit habits going forward in order to continue improving your credit score.

Does divorce lower your credit scores?

Divorce itself does not directly affect your credit score, but certain actions taken during the divorce process can have an impact on your credit. For example, if you and your spouse have joint accounts or loans, the way those accounts are handled during the divorce can affect your credit.

If you and your spouse have joint accounts or loans, you are both responsible for paying off those debts. If you are awarded those debts in the divorce settlement, it is important to continue to pay bills on time to avoid damaging your credit. If your spouse fails to pay their share of the debts, it can still affect your credit even if you are making your payments on time.

On the other hand, if you and your spouse close joint accounts or loans as part of the divorce process, it can also impact your credit. Closing accounts can lower your credit utilization, which is the amount of credit you are using compared to the amount of credit you have available. A lower credit utilization can be beneficial for your credit score, but closing accounts can also shorten your credit history, which can have a negative impact on your score.

In general, it is important to carefully consider how the actions taken during the divorce process will affect your credit, and to take steps to protect your credit if necessary, including credit monitoring. If you are concerned about how your divorce may affect your credit, it may be helpful to speak with a financial advisor or a credit counselor.

How can I rebuild my credit scores after divorce?

1. Closing joint accounts: If you and your ex-spouse had joint accounts, such as credit cards or a mortgage, you will need to close or transfer these accounts after the divorce. If you are unable to transfer the accounts, they will need to be closed, which could have a negative impact on your credit score.
2. Assumption of debt: If you are responsible for paying off any debts that were incurred during the marriage, including credit card debts, mortgages, and car loans, this can have a negative impact on your credit score if you are unable to make the required payments.
3. Separate credit scores: After a divorce, you and your ex-spouse will have separate credit scores. This means that if your ex-spouse has a high credit score and you have a lower credit score, your credit score may be negatively impacted.
4. Credit history: If you and your ex-spouse had joint accounts and you are not responsible for paying off the debts, your credit reports will still reflect the activity on those accounts. If your ex-spouse incurs new debts or misses payments on those accounts, it could have a negative impact on your credit score.