Although cleaning up bad credit can sound like a difficult task, it’s really just a series of steps. Lots of companies claim that they can fix your bad credit, but you’ll have more control if you do it yourself. Follow along and learn some tips for building good credit.
Image from heraldsun.com
To start off, you’ll need to have a clear idea of what your credit report looks like now. If you haven’t already done so this year, head over to AnnualCreditReport.com to request your free credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, the three major credit bureaus. But if you want to see your FICO credit score as well, you’ll need to pay for it (check myFICO for this) unless you pull some strings (e.g. work with your financial institution to allow you access to your scores). Note that free credit scores exist, but they are typically proprietary in nature and are non-FICO scores. If you need to order your credit scores, here are some places where you can pick them up:
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*Products marked “sale” already have an attached promo code so if you order through our links, you’ll receive the discounted price as specified.
For more information about monitoring your credit, check out our article called Equifax Credit Report and Score, where we review Equifax’s products. Also have a look at the article called Credit Monitoring Services, where we discuss services that help you regularly review, manage and monitor your credit information.
How To Build Good Credit and Clean Up Bad Credit
Here’s how to rebuild your credit in 7 steps:
1. Clean Up Errors on Your Credit Report
Once you have your reports, scan over the personal information, such as your address and employer info. If everything looks okay, then take a close look at your accounts. Are they listed with the proper information, and does it correctly reflect the payments you’ve made? Be sure to compare the three reports, because a creditor might report to one bureau and skip the other two.
In the event that you run across any errors or see traces of identity fraud, take steps to file a dispute with the credit bureau. Correcting your credit report can help clean up your credit.
2. Use Secured Credit Cards
One way to rebuild a good track record with credit is to sign up for a secured credit card. Your bank or credit union might be willing to issue you a card with a limit, based on the amount you deposit. Let’s say the bank asks for a deposit of $700; the secured card that they issue will thus have a limit of $700. By using the card and making payments on it, you can show a steady history.
Besides your bank, you can also apply directly for these secured cards, as another option:
- Platinum Zero Secured Visa Card
- Orchard Bank Secured MasterCard
- Next Millenium MasterCard
- Public Savings Bank Classic Secured VISA Card
These sites have pop up windows:
3. Take On A Reasonable Amount Of Debt
If you’re able to sign up for a department store card or some type of installment loan, you might be able to build good credit. These cards and loans can help you establish credit and develop your credit history.
4. Build Up Your Savings
Opening a high yield savings account at a bank or credit union is also a great move. For some people, having an emergency fund in a savings account like the one offered by HSBC Direct can stave off the problems that lead to too much credit use. For instance, $1,000 in savings would pay off my last medical bill, and it wouldn’t cost me 15% interest in the way a credit card would.
5. Repay Your Creditors
One of the most important strategies for cleaning up bad credit is simply to repay your creditors. If you’re behind on payments, it might be beneficial to call your creditors and ask for help. They may be able to accommodate you with a payment schedule that can fit your current budget. It’s imperative that you make your payments on time since you’re trying to establish that you’re responsible enough to take care of your debts. Also, try to pay more than the minimum if you can, because the less you pay, the longer you stay in debt.
If you’re using free online calendars or personal planners like Google Calendar or Remember the Milk, you can set up reminders to help you make those payments; I have set up alerts and reminders that are sent to me as text messages or via email, so I get them anywhere and at any time. Alternatively, you can try signing up for automatic payments — this has helped me pay my bills on time.
6. Look Into Credit Counseling
Establishing a budget can help you manage and repay your debts, but if you can’t stick to your budget, then you may want to consider credit counseling. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling can help you locate a counselor in your area.
7. Stay Clear of Credit Repair Scams
While credit counseling can be beneficial, it’s best to be wary of credit repair scams. In particular, you shouldn’t pay large fees upfront to a credit repair agency, and you should know your rights when it comes to repairing your credit.
Finally, ConsumersUnion.org points out that ultimately, you’re the only one who can change your credit. Fix errors on your credit reports, make regular payments on time, and use your credit cards and loans wisely — and you’ll eventually clean up your credit over time.
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{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
I had secure credit card 2 years ago and made 2 late payment and then paid it off, then the bank closed it. I have paid off my bad credit now i need to build my credit score. I just applied for another secure credit card with my new bank and it was accepted. what can i do now to build it up…
help me please!!!
Julie,
You’ll have to keep watching your payments and make sure you pay your bills on time. Sign up for automatic bill pay at your bank so you don’t forget to meet your payment obligations. And monitor your credit regularly so that you know what affects it both positively and negatively. The credit industry is much much stricter now than it used to be so it has become much more important to manage your credit well. Even people with good credit have noticed how their scores have been lowered due to how the credit industry measures your activities these days. So be mindful of how you pay your bills!
I have around $7000 in debt reporting on my credit report. I have obtained a copy of my credit report and have corrected all errors. Now im left with a score of 500 and need to get it up because i plan to buy a home in the next couple of years. Ive heard that paying off debt that has already hit your cedit report does not do good for your score. I have some debt that will come off in 2011 do i still pay it, will it help my score? will making payment arrangements help or is it better to pay in full? Can any of it be remove if i pay it off?
Nichole,
It depends on the type of debt that $7,000 is. is it in collection? Because as you said it will be coming off in 2011.
if you’re going to buy a home after 2011 it may be prudent to consider if it’s worth tackling your fund in the debt that’s in collection first or any other potential financial responsibility.
If you can clarify your situation, then maybe others can also chime in and help.
Paying off debt that has already hit your credit report does help, but again, you need to clarify what type of debt this is.
I Have like $5000 in debt and all of them are in collections. I am paying them off now and will be done the end of this year. I have collection debts of 2 credit cards, and am breaking a lease for an apartment penalty, and also 2 banks that got closed due to unpaid overdrafts.
Will i be able to buy a house right after that or would i have to build my credit back up first?
And what are some ideas of bringing it up asap?
@Nicky,
You’ll need to check your credit report and score to see where you stand. Check your credit history and see just what the lenders are seeing so that you can get an idea of how long you’ll need to work on your credit to get it back in good standing (in case it needs to be improved). If you don’t know your credit score and what your credit report looks like, then you’re just flying blind.
Maybe take a look at your FICO score through Equifax. I write about it here. Or you can visit a lender and find out if they’ll check your reports for you (and give you the information). Note that any visit to the lender and any application for a loan may cause them to do a pull on your credit which could cause your score to fall even further. It’s better to check your reports on your own prior to making a loan application so that you don’t ding your credit unnecessarily.
It appears that you are doing things to affect your credit standing negatively. I am not a lender so I cannot tell you if you’ll be able to qualify for a mortgage but IMO, you may have trouble getting a large loan under your conditions. Unfortunately, your prospects may be impacted because you’ve got closed accounts and are in collections.
The article above tells you what you can do to help improve your credit standing.
I want to know how should I built my credit scores as I just got my Employment card, as I will get ‘green card” soon. It means I am not a US citizen yet. Please advise, what should I do to built my credit score? So I can buy a house soon. As my husband doesn’t have a good score. I want to built my score to buy a house in the future.
Thanks a lot,
I need to build my credit score. I have reviewed my credit reports and challenged several items, which have been removed. I had two items in collections that I hadn’t been aware of prior to pulling my report. I paid those in full, and had one removed as it should not have been in collections. I have two current accounts (one revolving/one installment) which are both in good standing, no late payments have been made, ever. I reduced the balance on my revolving account so that it’s less than 30% of my limit at all times. I do have a judgement on my report (paid) for medical. That’s legitimate, and there isn’t anything I can do about that. I have thought about opening a secured card, but every card I read the terms, the options seem so burdensome for fees, that I just don’t feel that’s something I want to do. I have very little current debt, just a very affordable car payment and one card. I just don’t know what else to do to get my score up…I know I need more credit – I don’t have enough available, but my score isn’t high enough for a reasonable card. I’m currently preapproved for a mortgage, but the month to month variations in my score is making it a close thing. How can I raise it without paying $150 in up front fees for a secured card? (I have no problem with the deposit for the card, just the fees!) Please help!
Sometimes, it’s hard to get a credit report. I was broke for about 5 years and it took 2 years to get back my credit. I improved my situation by reducing my debt and paying my bills on time. I got rid of my highest interest rate loans one by one.
When you’re working to build or rebuild your credit history, how you use credit is everything. It’s important that you build the right credit habits to build and maintain a good credit score.
Unfortunately, credit cards don’t come with manuals for wise use. You may have already learned the hard way about the devastating effects of credit misuse, but it’s never too late to start over.
I think it’s ridiculous that they make you pay to see the score, because they know it’s the only thing most people want to see when they go for their “free” credit report. I know I have never missed a payment, and I know the status of all my (student) loans. I just want to see how my “new credit” is building. The scores are there for a reason: so companies don’t need to look at the other information. I want to know what my number is as it’ll affect what type of car I can purchase upon graduation, what type of house I will buy in the nearer-rather-than-further future.
I’m in a very confusing situation. I reviewed all three of my credit reports and on all three, it says that a particular account is in good standing or I’m paying as agreed. However, when I called to close the account after three years of not receiving a statement or card, I was told I owe money. Then I was told that the account was sent to collections. This was unbeknownst to me because I had been paying on the account. Then I was told that the account was charged off but the codes in their system are wrong. And last but not least, I was told that collections returned the account to the creditor because of possible fraudulent use. Now I don’t know what to do. I was told I have to sit and wait until they mail some forms to me. Why did it take a phone call from me to ask about the account for them to begin the dispute process when they should have told me 3 years ago that they may have detected fraud.
@Sev,
I am not a financial advisor, so I am not really qualified to give out professional advice. Anyway, I can try to help by giving you my thoughts.
I wouldn’t panic until I have all the info in order. Contact your creditor or credit card company and find out what their problem is. Did you call their billing department? I would give them a call and find out what it’s all about. If they are sending you mail, then wait for it so it can be explained to you.
If you’re still having problems with the card company, and you find that this is a legitimate problem then visit the FTC website here. This site may help you if there is fraud or identity theft involved.
It sounds to me that there was a misunderstanding somewhere and that you haven’t received the full picture yet. Without the full picture and full communication, it’s hard to know what to do next.
Anyway, you’ll need to dig up more info before you get overly worried. So go to the root of your concerns and reach out to your creditor and get the full story.
Best of luck
The Smarter Wallet
This summer i had great credit maybe 740…but since then I’ve dropped down to a 619 cuz of a hospital bill that i’m now paying off. How do i build my credit back up..i only have one credit card and i don’t know what to do..
I have very bad credit, i have two repos and a good bit of accounts in collections. I’ve paid a few off and in the next few months will agree on a balance on the repos and pay them off. I don’t want to make payments, I just want to be done with these accounts. I would like to purchase a house in the near future and get my life on track. Is this the right way to go? HELP!!
Thanks for some good tips. It’s always vital to keep your credit clear for so many reasons, including being able to buy a new home when it’s time to move.
i have a large amount of debt that state they will fall of after this year however i still have several major items that will show on my credit report such as a school loan that i had defaulted on (it was sent to another office and have been paying on for several months) a judgment that i will be paying off immediately and several charge off credit cards several of which i have an agreement with and will be paid off this year once those are paid off i will begin to pay on the remaining few however i dont know how these will affect me will they still reflect badly on me once paid since the credit cards were charged off, once the the judgement is paid in full and how will the school loan reflect. also how can i improve my credit score i am wanting to buy a home possibly next year but i really need to get my credit score up and understand how things will reflect and what i need to do.
I am trying to increase my credit score and establish good credit. I have reviewed reports form all three credit reporting agencies. After reviewing my reports, I settled all of my debts. How long should I wait after paying all of my debts to dispute derogatory accounts that have not been accurately updated?
Hello,
I have 2 debts in collection right now.
I intend to pay them in the next couple months.
My question is, after those are paid off, how can I repair my credit?
I have good credit so far, and all my loans are being paid. One of my cars will be paid off in March, will it make my credit better even though I have 2 bills in collection?
Please advise.
Thanks
Sandra
I just got my credit report and I’m not sure how to read them. I was thinking about consolidating all my debt into one and pay that off but I was told that will not help my credit. I got into debt because of a loss of job and trying to find a job now a days but now that I finally got back on my feet I’m about 20 grand in debt and feel like I’m being pulled under. Should I pay one at a time little by little or would consolidating be my best bet?
I am separated from my husband and we have a mortgage in both our names. He stopped paying it and I would never be able to afford to pay the payments; therefore we are now 60 days late on the house. I am sure it will be foreclosed on and my credit score is already impacted (and terrible, I might add).
How can I rebuild after that? What happens now?