How Can I Improve My Credit Report?

January 21, 2020

Most lenders use credit report information to evaluate the creditworthiness of potential borrowers. Borrowers with good credit are presumed to be more creditworthy and may find it easier to obtain a loan, often at a lower interest rate.


You can do a number of things to help improve what's on your credit report, including the following.


PAY BILLS ON TIME
Your credit report provides information to lenders regarding your payment history. For the most part, a lender may assume that you can be trusted to make timely monthly debt payments in the future if you have done so in the past. Consequently, if you have a history of late payments and/or unpaid debts, a lender may consider you to be a high credit risk and turn you down for a loan.


LIMIT CREDIT INQUIRIES
Each time you apply for credit, the lender will request a copy of your credit report. The lender's request then appears as a "hard inquiry" on your credit report. Too many of these inquiries in a short amount of time could be viewed negatively by a potential lender, since it may indicate that the borrower has a history of being turned down for loans or has access to too much credit.


BUILD A CREDIT HISTORY
You may have good credit, but not enough of it. As a result, you may need to build up more of your credit history before a lender deems you worthy to take on new debt.


CORRECT ERRORS ON YOUR REPORT
Uncorrected errors on a credit report could make it difficult for a lender to accurately evaluate creditworthiness and could result in a loan denial. If you have errors on your credit report, it's important to correct your report by disputing inaccurate or incomplete information,

Finally, if you are ever turned down for a loan, you can find out why. Under federal law, you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report as long as you request it within 60 days of receiving notice of a company's adverse action against you. Federal law also entitles you to a free annual credit report from all three credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax™, and Trans Union™). You can obtain this report by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.

All Securities Through Money Concepts Capital Corp., Member FINRA / SIPC

11440 North Jog Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Phone: 561.472.2000

Copyright 2010 Money Concepts International Inc.



Investments are not FDIC or NCUA Insured

May Lose Value - No Bank or Credit Union Guarantee

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the state(s) of MI. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.
Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2020.
Hand holding a smartphone displaying
By TFC Team December 17, 2025
Learn about top tax scams in 2025, from phishing to fake credits, and get simple IRS tips to help protect your refund and personal data.
Woman with gray hair looking at papers with a laptop, indoors.
By TFC Team December 17, 2025
Learn how RMDs work, which retirement accounts are subject to required minimum distributions, and how withdrawals may affect your income taxes.
Stock market graph with fluctuating lines in blue, pink, and green.
By TFC Team December 17, 2025
Keeping Cool in Volatile Markets shows how staying invested, tuning out noise, and a clear plan can protect long-term returns during sharp swings.
Man walking in a modern building with a robot. They are walking towards the same direction.
By TFC Team December 17, 2025
Review a graph showing how employers are planning on working with AI in the coming year. By the numbers, they will want current staff to learn and work more with AI.
Show More