Credit Tricks and Treats
Here are a few credit score tricks to keep your credit score from becoming too scary:
- Make Sure Your Payments Are On Time
Dont be haunted by a late payment. Consider setting up automatic payments (or even reminders) to ensure sure your payments are received on time. If you do miss a payment, try to make it as soon as possible to keep its past-due status from becoming spooktacular.
- Reduce Balances
The larger the sum of your outstanding balances, the bigger your credit utilization ratio. This has the potential of making your score face the consequences. Paying more than the minimum amount due should help reduce your utilization ratioand, bonus, save you money on interest.
- Check Your Reports Regularly
Avoid the frightening prospect of being overcharged for credit and check your credit reports periodically. Make sure todispute any errorswith the credit reporting agencies to avoid any unexpected scares.
- Become an Authorized User
If getting credit has become a nightmare, consider asking someone you know with good credit to add you as anauthorized userto their account. This can help you (the authorized user) to build a positive credit history. This can affect their credit score too though, so just make sure to be responsible, otherwise you run the risk of becoming the horror villain.
Credit Treats You Can Enjoy:
1. Cash Back Rewards & Other Perks
Many credit cards come with incentives like free airline miles or cash back rewards on eligible purchases. So not only are you getting money upfront to make purchases, youre also earning additional purchasing power and/or other freebies for using a credit card. Some credit cards offer additional perks, such as travel or rental car insurance for trips booked using their card. Do your research and see if you qualify for a card that youre interested in.
2. Free Credit Scores
A free credit score is a standard offering from many credit card companies and banks. There are some other online companies that allow you to check your score for free as well. Knowing your score, and what could potentially be haunting it, can prove useful in effectively managing your credit.
3. Free Credit Reports
You are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies—Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax—every 12 months. Getting them is fast, free, and will help you monitor your credit progress as well as pinpoint any errors that might be present.
If you need help with any of these tricks or treats, give ASAP Credit Repair a call today. Were ready to help you with any credit score scares!