Tuesday, May 27, 2008

How to Deal with Bad Credit Reports

In today's world our credit score is everything. Creditors and bankers approve or disapprove loans based on your credit worthiness. It is also something that will determine your credibility to certain employers or landlords.

If you have a good credit rating you will be able to apply for loans and/or credit cards easily. And, ultimately, isn't that the goal? It will also mean that you will have more chances of getting certain jobs. You will be able to pay your bills on time.

Having bad credit reduces the opportunities of these things. You may get approved for a loan or for a credit card but you'll most likely have a very high interest rate. You will be an “at risk” customer because the creditors are not sure if you will be able to pay your bills on time. If you are trying to apply for an apartment complex the landlords may take a look at your credit score to determine if you will be able to pay your rent and utilities.

These are just some of the many reasons as to why having a good credit score is very important in today's world. However, what do you do if you happen to have a bad credit score? If you have bad credit it is important to fix the problem as soon as you can. Here are several ways to do just that.

First, you must stop your bad credit before it gets worse. So how do you do this? You pay your previous overdue debts as soon as possible. This cuts off the bad credit reports from creditors. It will not improve the actual credit score but it will put you on the right track to repairing your credit history.

Secondly, you must raise your credit score by opening a new savings or checking account. You should also apply for a secured credit card. This will mean that you will have a higher interest rate but it is also a good way to control your credit card spending and it will also raise or repair you bad credit score. By paying the monthly credit card bills on time you will be able to see a significant rise in your credit history report.

If you continue to follow these steps you will eventually start to see a good credit rating. However, your past credit history will contain bad credit scores and ratings. This does not expire for 5 to 7 years. You must remember that it does take time to raise your credit rating. You must be patient and diligent to see a change.

That is why it is very important to make positive reports for your creditors. They then will pass those on to credit reporting agencies. Remember to pay your loans and credit cards on time in order to get a good credit rating. By doing so you will eventually end up with a good credit score and history. Never miss out on a future financial opportunity when they come your way.

Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation

Unfortunately, many people will overlook this option, feeling that going with debt consolidation means they are giving in to the enemy. Credit repair, debt consolidation is simply another weapon at your disposal for getting and staying on track.

Professionally trained and independently certified counselors evaluate your financial situation, assist you in creating a budget, and work with creditors to negotiate a possible reduction in these key areas:

. Finance charges. Late fees and / or over-limit charges.

. Monthly payment pay-off time. The credit repair debt consolidation program will help you simplify your financial monthly commitments.

. Interest payments.

. Length of time that you have bad credit.

. Time taken to become debt-free.

. Overall stress in managing your finances and therefore your life also.

Credit Repair

For those souls brave enough to attempt credit repair themselves, this should be your mantra: "I will not tip off the credit bureaus to what I am doing". Make sure you do not disclose your intentions to creditors or you will not be able to repair your credit as easily as if you follow some simple rules. Most credit repair law relates to the Credit Reporting Act, sometimes referred to as the FCRA. In order to legally repair credit scores or improve them, credit reports should be reviewed for inaccurate information.

Credit Score

Perhaps you have been cutting corners, tightening the budget, and working with the credit bureaus but find your credit score is still too low to buy a house or car. Credit repair clinics, law firms and counselors offer services to those who are interested in improving or protecting their credit scores.

Credit Cards

Credit cards can be the worst culprits for landing you with debt. Card credit debt reduction strategy is your most valuable possession. Card credit debt help self UK will put a smile on your face if you need help and live in the UK. Credit card debt consolidation will improve the way you live and help you rise above the rest by eliminating credit card debt.

Bureaus

If for some reason, you cannot access your credit reports on line, the credit bureaus provide toll free numbers and mailing addresses to use instead. Some of the credit bureaus allow you to dispute information on line. Many government agencies and the credit bureaus themselves advise that only time and patience will improve credit scores. Some companies that offer prepaid and secured credit cards charge a fee to report account activity to the credit bureaus. You will be involved throughout the process, because the credit bureaus will only communicate directly with you.

Conclusion

The bottom line is this: Whatever you do, do not miss the chance to repair your credit through credit repair debt consolidation. Some companies suggest that debt consolidation may improve your overall credit score, but as a strategy for credit repair, debt consolidation may not be the best choice.

Counselors will provide you with a free budget analysis to help you determine if the credit repair debt consolidation is right for you. Credit repair debt consolidation is just what you need to get out of debt and repair your low credit score right away.

It is recommended that you use professionally trained and independently certified counselors to give you qualified advice, and any information in this article should first be checked with these qualified professionals before applying any advice.