Which is the Better Way to Raise a Credit Score?

[justcallmebroke]

Okay, my uncle and I were butting heads on this last night. (Granted, it's not a burning life question, but I'd like to know.) Which is a better way to raise your credit score: pay off a credit card balance or ask for a higher credit limit on the card? Or are they both equal?

[Admin]

I would think that paying off a credit card would be more beneficial to one's credit than simply raising your limit. The reason being that when you pay off a credit account, you are essentially eliminating that debt.

With less debt, your credit is than likely to improve.

[justcallmebroke]

Yeah, I've heard something like that. It's funny how the three credit reporting agencies have such a monoply on how our credit looks, yet they don't have any regulations as to what information they put on our credit reports.

[NYC]

Increasing your limit can also help. When deciding your credit score, the credit bureaus look at the percentage of credit you have used overall versus your available credit and at the available credit on each card.

So if you have a $300 credit limit and you have $290 on it, that card shows as 97% usage. If that limit is increasd to $1000 you're now only using 29% of your credit limit.

[Jenita]

1. Get a copy of your credit report

Obtaining a copy of your credit report is a good idea because if there is something on your report that is incorrect, you will raise credit score once it is removed. Make sure you contact the bureau immediately to remove any incorrect information.

Your credit report should come from the three major bureaus: Experian, Trans Union and Equifax. It's important to know that each service will give you a different credit score.

2. Pay Your Bills On Time

Your payment history makes up 35% of your total credit score. Your recent payment history will carry much more weight than what happened five years ago.

Missing just one months payment on anything can knock 50 to 100 points off of your credit score.

Paying your bills on time is a single best way to start rebuilding your credit rating and raise credit score for you.

[woopsi_com]

All points are very correct, but in the end paying down your balances is the best way to raise your credit score. While part of the credit scoring is based on the percentage of credit you are using, creditors would much rather offer you money if you don't already have monetary commitments. Please don't read this as you should not use your credit, this can also be bad for your credit score, just make sure to keep your cards at less than 50% of your available credit limit.

[Harris & Associates]

If you are looking to improve your credit score quickly, now is the time to get
started.

Create Some Balance: While paying down installment debt (car, school,
mortgage, etc.) will definitely boost your credit score, paying down or paying off revolving debt, such as credit cards, can cause a quick jump in your credit
score. The trick is to get and keep your balances below 30% of your credit limit on each card. For faster results, attack those cards with balances closer to their respective credit limits first, as opposed to those cards with simply the highest debt. Remember, if you pay off any credit cards completely, do not close your accounts without discussing it with a professional first. Cancelling those cards may inadvertently undo all of your hard work.

Know Your Limits: Make sure that your credit card issuers are reporting the correct limits on your accounts to the three major credit bureaus. Without an available limit, your account will appear to be maxed out at its highest reported balance each month. This could cost you up to 80 points in certain instances. Some creditors, such as American Express® and certain cards issued by Capital One®, actually have a policy of not reporting available credit. However, most companies will report your credit limits if you ask them in writing.

Take Some Credit: If you have a credit card account in very good standing, make sure that all three credit bureaus know about it. Just like your credit limits, some creditors don't report your information to all three credit companies - this is why credit scores often vary between bureaus. If this is the case, give them a call to find out why. Correcting this oversight
could provide a significant boost to your score. Also, if you're in very good standing, ask your creditor for a lower rate or higher credit limit. This will increase the gap in the debt you owe versus the credit you have available. Sometimes hinting about closing an account can suddenly bring out the generous spirit of certain card issuers. Give it a try. The worst they
can say is no.

Protect Your Interests: Your credit is calculated based solely on the information available to your creditors. If you have a HELOC, make sure it's listed as a mortgage or an installment account on your credit reports and not a revolving debt. If you had a bankruptcy, be sure that all items associated with the bankruptcy are being reported correctly, that is with a zero balance. This action could increase your score by 50-100 points. Because simple mistakes like these can wreak havoc on your credit score, it's important to monitor your credit every four to six months.

Even the Score: If you find information on your credit report that you believe is inaccurate or incomplete, then you have the right to dispute it free of charge. For the fastest results, visit the appropriate credit bureau's website and file a complaint online. If supporting documents are necessary, you have to file your dispute by mail. If you'd like more information from a credit professionals you can trust. Just go to

[url=http://www.harrisandassociatescreditrepair1.com]Harris & Associates Credit Repair - Home[/url]

[jakecrowell]

I think you can also consider getting issued a new credit card or a small loan to rebuild your credit score. You can get them issued easily at [url=http://www.creditboostdirect.com/]Fix Bad Credit | Bad Credit Report Repair | CreditBoostDirect-Home[/url]...It provides several unsecured loans and visa credit cards...

[Bankruptcy Credit Cards]

Originally Posted by justcallmebroke

Okay, my uncle and I were butting heads on this last night. (Granted, it's not a burning life question, but I'd like to know.) Which is a better way to raise your credit score: pay off a credit card balance or ask for a higher credit limit on the card? Or are they both equal?

I would say paying off a credit card balance is better compared to getting in to more credit with increasing the credit limit.

[Jansinnet]

A few credit cards are plenty. Use them taking advantage of their benefits & pay them off every month. Increase your limit often. Of course make sure they report to the credit bureau. & take advantage of your good credit by borrowing & paying off.