Download a copy of

Getting Smart About Credit Booklet

 

Learn more about what you can do
to improve your score.

How much does my credit score impact the cost of credit?
Poor credit will cost you tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime by having to pay higher interest rates and higher payments. For example, on a $200,000 thirty year mortgage a score of 720 to 850 might get you a rate of 5.9%. If your score is 560 to 619, your rate might be 8.5% and cost you almost $130,000 more over thirty years!

Where can I get a copy of my credit report?
You can receive a free credit report each year from each of the three credit report vendors by going to https://www.annualcreditreport.com. If you alternate getting your free report between the three vendors every four months, you can actually monitor your credit throughout the year at no cost!

Can you clean up my credit report?
No. If negative comments on your credit report are correct, they can remain in your file for up to seven years. Bankruptcy filing will show on your report for seven to ten years. Click here to find out more about bankruptcy.

If you believe that there are errors in your credit report, you must notify the credit bureau in writing. The bureau will follow up your request with your creditor. If the creditor agrees with you, your report will be changed.  Schedule a Credit Report Review by calling 877-615-7873.

How do I establish credit? 

• Steady work record reflects positively on your score Maintain continued residence at the same address.
• Consider applying for a credit card at a a small balance retail.
• Make consistent payments before the due date each month.
• If you are struggling to find an institution willing to grant you credit, get a secured credit card. Banks are more willing to give you a secured credit card because the bank will hold your cash deposit as collateral.