How Do I Raise My Credit Score Quickly?

By: M Lambert

Break Studios Contributing Writer

You may find yourself asking, "how do I raise my credit score quickly?" Raising your credit score quickly can be difficult, because a credit score looks at a history of behavior over time, but you can still improve your credit score and report by resolving negative items on your report.

Pull your credit report from the credit bureaus. There are a number of websites where you can view your credit score. You can pull all three credit agencies at once or check every four months to make sure that the corrections you have requested are being made. Be sure you use a trustworthy internet source!
Check your credit report for bad marks such as late payments, outstanding (unpaid) accounts, and incorrect information. You should also check for accounts that you cannot identify. This is a sign of identity theft and should be taken care of immediately.
Correct false charges by contacting the bank and asking them to correct the problem. You should send the letter certified mail and have a specific response date in your letter. Send a letter to the credit bureau as well to request that they review the information. When you do this you should check back in a few months to make sure the issue has been corrected. Although you can use the phone to find out information and make requests it is better to create a paper trail when you deal with cleaning up your credit.
Pay off any outstanding accounts that you have. As you do this it is important to realize that the accounts will say whether or not you paid in full or if you settled the debt. Paying in full will look better on your credit report, but settling is better than having outstanding bills that you owe. Before you negotiate debt settlements you should have the money ready and receive a letter in writing stating the amount of the settlement before you send the money in. Keep a copy of these transactions for several years.
Continue to make the rest of your payments on time. Your credit score is a combination of your payment history as well as other factors. One other factor is the amount of your current available credit you are using. Paying down your credit card accounts can help to raise your credit score.