{"id":352552,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance\/repairing-credit-on-your-own.html"},"modified":"2024-01-31T15:09:47","modified_gmt":"2024-01-31T20:09:47","slug":"repairing-credit-on-your-own","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance\/repairing-credit-on-your-own.html","title":{"rendered":"Repairing Credit on Your Own"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Repairing Credit on Your Own<\/h1>\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

It’s rare to find someone who knowingly damaged their good credit. Most of the time, one problem leads to another, and things begin to snowball into a much bigger issue. It’s a whole lot easier to hurt your credit than it is to build credit<\/a>, but it’s possible to take steps to repair your credit yourself. As long as you don’t expect a good credit score overnight, a little research and effort can put you on the right track toward better credit.<\/p>\r\n

Don’t Make Poor Credit Worse<\/h2>\r\n

If you’re starting to get buried in credit card debt, the worst thing you can do is to either ignore it or keep adding to it. Cut yourself off from using credit cards or opening a new credit card account. If you find you’re having trouble making on-time payments<\/a>, talk to your card issuer about payment options. <\/p>\r\n

It’s easier and less expensive for everyone if you can find a way to handle problems upfront before they get out of control. Creditors will usually work with you to make reasonable accommodations. This includes adjusting your monthly payments or providing flexibility with the available credit on your accounts.<\/p>\r\n

Whatever they agree to, get it in writing so you have some proof down the road. Taking proactive steps like this can help you build credit by demonstrating a commitment to managing your credit accounts. In addition, consider implementing credit monitoring. Credit monitoring will help you stay informed about changes in your credit profile and address any issues in a prompt manner.<\/p>\r\n

Credit Reports<\/h2>\r\n

Before you do anything else with your credit, it’s important for you to know what you’re dealing with. There are three major credit bureaus in the US–Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion–and each one has a file on you. Chances are much of their information is pretty similar. However, it’s possible that mistakes at one or more agencies are painting an inaccurate picture of your credit history.<\/p>\r\n

You can get a free credit report<\/a> once a year. This service is only available through AnnualCreditReport.com<\/a>, so beware of imposter sites. A common recommendation is to space out your requests over several months. This way you can work on problems you spot in the first one, then see if they’re getting cleared up later. <\/p>\r\n

For example, if you see incorrect information on the Experian report you ordered in January and get it fixed by March, you’ll be able to see if it’s still getting reported to TransUnion when you order another copy of your credit report in August.<\/p>\r\n

Look for Credit Report Errors<\/h3>\r\n

If you paid for a report, you’ll also see your FICO credit score<\/a>, which ranges from 300 to 850 (higher is better). This is the score you’re ultimately trying to improve.<\/p>\r\n

You’ll want to examine each of the accounts listed while considering the following questions:<\/p>\r\n