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- 1). Get a copy of your credit report from Annual Credit Report, a website managed by the three major credit bureaus -- TransUnion, Equifax and TransUnion. Follow instructions included on the report to order your credit score separately, for a fee. Annual Credit Report is the only site authorized by by the Federal Trade Commission to offer free credit reports under the terms of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. You are entitled to three free reports every 12 months -- one from each of the credit bureaus.
- 2). Review your credit report for inaccurate information that can be removed -- and possibly increase your credit score. Examples of inaccurate information include a credit card account showing as past due although you have never paid it late, or a closed account still showing a balance after you have paid it off. Dispute inaccurate information online by visiting the websites for the credit bureaus. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires the credit bureaus to remove inaccurate information after you file a dispute.
- 3). Pay your bills on time and keep balances low on all of your credit cards. The MSN Money website reports that timely payments and low balances are two of the best ways to change your credit score -- for the better. According to MSN Money you should keep balances to less than 30 percent of your credit limit on each credit card. Paying down large chunks of credit card debt could improve your credit score within 30 days, according to MSN Money.
- 4). Add new credit to your credit report. Apply for a gas station or department store card. Or apply for a MasterCard or Visa at your bank or credit union. Use the new card by making small purchases and paying off the balance each month. The new, positive credit history could help boost your credit score.
- 5). Order a new credit report and score about every four months to chart your progress as you try to improve your credit score.
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