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How Can I Fix My Credit Report?
Fixing your credit report might feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, you can improve your credit and eliminate financial hurdles. Whether you're searching for “how to fix my credit report” or exploring options like title loans for emergencies, this guide has you covered.
Fix Your Credit Using These Helpful Tips
Access Your Credit Report And Dispute Errors
If you are asking “how can I fix my credit report?”, the first thing that you need to do is access your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus to know what your credit really is. The three major credit reporting bureaus you need to check are: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report every year from each of these credit agencies. It is important to get a copy of your report so that you can see if there are any errors on it. Sometimes the credit reporting bureaus make mistakes that can hurt your credit score if you don’t know about them.
If you see any errors on your credit report, you need to find the documentation to prove that it is an error and submit that to the credit agency as soon as possible. This is one of the most important things that you can do to fix your credit report. So, again, as soon as you find an error, get it corrected right then and there.
Pay Your Overdue Balances
Another critical step to take when fixing your credit report is to pay off your overdue balances. There are two main methods that you can use to start paying off your overdue balances. There is the avalanche method and the snowball method of getting rid of your debt.
The avalanche method suggests that you focus on interest rates. Start with the outstanding debt with the highest interest rate and pay that one off first. After this, you focus on the debt with the second-highest interest rate and proceed in this fashion until you are out of debt.
The snowball method suggests that you take the opposite approach. In this method, you focus on the balance rather than the interest rate. You focus on paying off the smallest balance while making minimum payments on the other outstanding debts. Then you focus on the second-smallest balance and so on.
Have A Mix Of Different Types Of Credit
If you are wondering “how can I fix my credit report?” it is a good idea to have a mixture of several different types of credit. This will give your credit score a boost. For example, if you have a credit card open, a mortgage, and a car loan, this will help your credit score more than just having a credit card.
That said, you should avoid opening several lines of credit in a short period of time. This can actually hurt your credit score by triggering too many hard inquiries into your credit report. Just try to find the right balance between having a mix of different types of credit and not opening too many lines at once.
Avoid Opening New Lines Of Credit
Back to the previous point, when you open a new line of credit, that will trigger a hard inquiry into your credit history. Furthermore, when you open a new line of credit, that lowers the average age of your accounts. Both of these lower your credit score. If you are wondering “how can I fix my credit report?” you should avoid opening any new lines of credit unless you absolutely need to.
Pay Your Balances On Time
Another important tip to remember when you are learning “how to fix my credit report” is that you need to make a point of paying your entire balance on time, every time. Late payments will stay on your credit report for up to seven years, and this will have a debilitating effect on your credit score. You should make life easy on yourself and avoid having these late payments.
Plan for Emergencies with Title Loans or Registration Loans
Depending on how bad your credit score is, it might take you some time to properly improve it. In the meantime, it can be hard to respond to emergency expenses that crop up in your life if you can’t get a bad credit loan. But you are still vulnerable, and you need to have a plan for what you will do when these emergencies come up. The good news is there is still a bad credit loan you can get.
You can come see us at Fast Auto Loans, Inc. for either a title loan or a registration loan. Just head to our website to learn more about either loan. Our title loan uses your vehicle’s title as collateral and our registration loan uses your vehicle’s registration.
Required Items to Get a Title Loan
- Driver's License or State Issued I.D.
- Lien-Free Title to Your Vehicle
- Your Vehicle for Inspection
Required Items to Get a Registration Loan
- A valid Arizona driver's License or government Issued photo I.D.
- An Arizona motor vehicle registration that is in your name
- An active checking account in your name
- A valid social security number
If you want to get the process started, fill out the online form and a loan representative from the nearest Arizona store will give you a call.
Start Improving Your Credit Today
Fixing your credit report is a journey, but with these steps, you can make significant progress. If emergencies arise, Fast Auto Loans, Inc. is here to help with title loans and registration loans designed for those with bad credit. Apply online from our homepage at Fast Auto Loans, Inc., and start improving your credit today!
Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.