Repairing bad credit can best be compared to losing weight: there is no miracle overnight fix and you need to commit to some hard work. In fact, if you believe you have found ways to turn bad credit into good credit almost overnight, it is likely that you are being scammed and this will actually make the situation worse. That said, repairing bad credit is not impossible so long as you know what you are doing. Let's take a look at five important tips.
Here Are 5 Ways to Turn Bad Credit into Good Credit:
1. Check your three credit reports.
The three main credit score bureaus are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Each of these will allow you to receive a free copy of your credit report once a year. You need to know how you stand before you can find ways to turn bad credit into good credit. Hence, once you receive it, you need to check whether there are any errors on there.
2. Fix your credit report.
If there are errors on your report, you have to address them straight away. Write to the different creditors that are on there to tell them you disagree with their notation and inform the credit bureau of this as well. They must reply within a certain period of time, or the marking will be removed automatically. Hence, it may be a good idea to write to the ones who have a correct notation on your file, just in case they forget to answer (don't count on it, however).
3. Set up payment reminders.
The reason why you have bad credit is down to two main factors. Firstly, you may have too much credit and secondly, which is generally the main reason, you may not have paid your bills on time. Making sure you make your payments regularly, on time, every time, is the best way to start fixing your credit or at the very least not making it worse. Late payment markings tend to be removed from your credit report very quickly if you show you do make your payments on time at the present time.
4. Reduce your total debt amount.
Since you now have a copy of your credit report, you need to see whether there are ways to actually lower the debt that you have. You may, for instance, be able to consolidate some, thereby reducing your overall interest and debt, increasing your credit score as well. If you can't consolidate, consider making extra payments towards the biggest debts, or those with the highest interest rates.
5. Don't get more bad credit.
This may sound like common sense, but you would be surprised at how many people almost give up once they have bad credit. They feel like it doesn't matter anymore anyway, and rake up more and more bad markings against them. Don't get anymore credit, pay your bills on time and in full (or a bit more if possible), and your credit will start to improve, even if it is gradually.