5 easy steps to repair your credit
Credit is a necessary evil in this day and age. However, some of us might have damaged credit because of unemployment or a layoff, or poor choices when we were younger. It doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. There are ways to repair and restore your credit so you are able to apply for a loan in the future.
- Pay Some
Call your credit card or loan companies. It’s always better to start paying a little, even if you can’t afford the usual payments. Frequently, the companies will work with you to make arrangements. This will help improve your credit score and get you on an even keel again.
- Pay More Than The Minimum
One of the best ways to see your debt dwindle is to pay more than the minimum each month once you are able to afford it. Not only will you be making consistent payments, you will also find that your balances get lower over time. The monthly payment can often drop too, giving you more to pay against your balance.
- Apply for a Secured Card
Secured cards are a great way to begin to reestablish your credit. These cards are prepaid and will help other companies see that you have good spending habits. After you have used your secured card for some time, you can look into the next step.
- Apply for a Low Credit Score Card
There are several cards on the market available for those who are looking to rebuild their credit. Some of the more common ones for those with poor credit scores include CapitalOne in the United States and Aqua in the United Kingdom. These are only two examples, as there are many other options available.
- Keep an Eye on Your Credit Report
A few sites, including CreditKarma and annualcreditreport.com offer the ability to check your credit score for free. CreditKarma and similar sites will also help you monitor your score as well as suggesting the ideal cards or loans for your particular circumstances. Eventually you will be able to build up a good credit history over time and qualify for better and better products.
When you are repairing your credit score, remember how you found yourself in the situation in the first place. Don’t overspend, and don’t go wild trying to order every card or loan out there. Even if you’re approved, that doesn’t mean you can afford to maintain the payments. Keep a cool head while you are rebuilding and you’ll find that you can eventually qualify for cards and loans with much better terms and rates. These are your first steps when it comes to qualifying for a car loan or a home mortgage, both of which are impossible with poor credit. It’s important to make sure you will be able to afford your lifestyle. Your necessities should always come before your debts, so making sure that you’re able to maintain them will help you rebuild your credit and your future happiness.
