1. Keep credit cards open, but manage them responsibly. In general, having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will raise your credit score.  
2. Keep balances low on credit cards and other “revolving Credit.” Anytime the balance is above 50% of the total available credit, it can adversely affect your credit score. 
3. Always pay more than the minimum payment. Paying just the minimum payment can translate into the false pretense that you are maxed out.  
4. Pay off debt rather than moving it around. Owing the same amount but on fewer open accounts can adversely affect your credit score by showing that your credit cards are maxed out.   
5. Don’t close credit cards with balances. This will make your credit limit appear like it is zero and the balance remaining will be above the credit limit. This will adversely affect your credit score.  
6. Re-establish your credit history if you have had problems is the past. Opening new accounts responsibly and paying them off on time will raise your credit scores in the long run.  
7. Get current on delinquent accounts. This will have the greatest impact on improving your credit scores. Payment history makes up roughly 35% of your credit score.  
8. Don’t apply for more credit when you are in repair mode. This will only further lower your credit scores by inquiries that are likely to be turned down.  
9. Don’t open new credit cards that you don’t need. Too many open accounts can affect your credit score just as no open accounts. The key is having a minimum of 3 credit accounts open with no more than 8 that are managed responsibly.  
10. Clean up your credit report. Get copies from all 3 credit bureaus and make sure there is not incorrect information. The new consumer credit protection law allows you to request a free report from each credit agency once a year. By cleaning up incorrect information it will help improve your credit scores in the long run.  
    

If your credit report contains incorrect information, you have the right to dispute it with proof that the information is inaccurate. Your credit report will include information about disputing inaccurate information with the credit bureaus. The three credit bureaus are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.  

To ensure a response you will need to send proof of the inaccurate information separately to each bureau by certified mail. Typically they will respond back within 30 days with further requested information or with the correction made, stating that your credit will be updated. The updated information does not necessarily mean your credit score with go up automatically, but over time, it will.  

I hope you have enjoyed these tips on how to improve your credit and if you are still curious, talk to a lender or finance professional for further information.