Keep using your oldest credit card

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By Gorge Peterson


Remember, as your balances rise, your credit score will fall. It's an inverse property that you have to keep aware at all times. You always want to focus on how much you are utilizing that's available on your card. Having maxed out credit cards is a giant red flag to possible lenders.



An important tip to consider when working to repair your credit is to be sure that you only buy items that you NEED. This is extremely important because it is very easy to buy items that either make us feel comfortable or better about ourselves. Re-evaluate your situation and ask yourself before every purchase if it will help you reach your goal.

Even if your credit card allows you a grace period, if you are trying to repair your credit, make at least the minimum payment every month. Skipping payments tells the credit card company that you are broke, irresponsible or both, even if your card agreement says it's okay to do. If you want to repair your credit score, you need to show creditors that you are serious about making payments on a regular basis.

In order to start repairing your credit, you need to start paying your bills. More importantly, you need to start paying your bills in full and on time. This shows that you have turned over a new leaf and you're really committed to paying off your debts. Your credit score starts to improve immediately upon paying off some of your past due bills.

Many people don't realize that moving around a lot can also lower your credit score. Creditors will see you as unreliable and un-rooted if you change your address more than once every couple of years. If you are the type who can't help but move often, consider getting a P.O. Box or other steady mail location where you can have all your bills and credit cards sent. This will reduce the risk that these companies realize you have moved.

If you need to repair your credit, the first step is to come up with a workable plan and stick to it. You have to be committed to making real changes to your spending habits. Only buy what you absolutely need. Ask yourself whether every purchase is both affordable and necessary, and only buy if the answer to both questions is "yes."

Your household bills are just as important to pay on time as any other credit source. When repairing your credit history be sure to maintain on time payments to utilities, mortgages or rent. If these are reported as late, it can have as much negative impact on your history as the positive things you are doing in your repairs.

When trying to repair your credit, do not fall for the scams that tell you they will help you to create a new credit file. Creating a new credit file is actually fraud if you decide to follow through. Since it is fraud, you can face legal repercussions if you create a new credit file.