Stepping Up Your FICO Scores
In which we pass on some advice from a government web portal that car buyers with bad credit should find especially helpful
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Car Credit Repair
Here at Auto Credit Express we’ve spent the past two decades helping credit-challenged car shoppers find dealer for their best chance at approved auto loans. Along the way, we try to pass on to them advice concerning the subprime auto loans process as well as other tips on how they can improve their credit scores.
Not long ago, we came across an article posted on the U.S. Government’s web portal that sums up quite well the process of improving personal credit.
Here is some of what it had to say:
5 Steps to Help You Improve Your Credit Scores
So what should you do if you want to improve or maintain a good credit score? The following tips might help.
1) Request a free credit report
You can request a free copy of your report every 12 months from each of the three main credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
The official website to get your free credit report is
www.annualcreditreport.com.
2) Understand Your Credit Report
Understanding your credit report will help you make better decisions when it comes to your finances, because your credit score is based on your credit report. It includes personal information about you such as:
• Your payment history.
• How many loans you have and how much you owe.
• If you have ever filed for bankruptcy.
3) Check Your Credit Report
Sometimes information on your credit report might be incorrect or incomplete. That’s why you should check it periodically.
If you do find a mistake, these agencies must:
• Investigate the discrepancy usually within 30 days and correct it if necessary.
• Notify the company that provided the incorrect information.
• Provide you with a free copy of your credit report if changes are made.
The Federal Trade Commission has more detailed information on how to access free credit reports.
4) Pay Your Bills on Time
Paying your bills on time is an important factor in determining your credit score and showing your creditors that you are a responsible consumer. But there are other factors that might impact your credit score:
• Be selective when you apply for credit as too many applications may negatively affect your score.
• Don’t go over your credit limits. In fact, it is better to stay well below them.
• Pay down your debt with regular payments.
5) Get Professional Help
A budget might help you pay your bills on time. If you owe too much or are unable to pay your bills, you might want to consider a credit counseling agency. They can help you to manage your finances or figure out a plan to pay off your debt.
Be careful when seeking out these services, they might charge excessive fees and that can put you deeper in debt. The Federal Trade Commission has more information about credit counseling agencies and how they can help you improve your credit score.
The Bottom Line
One thing we’d like to point out is that, in some cases, simply improving your FICO scores won’t help you qualify for a traditional car loan. Many of these lenders require previous auto loan history. At this point, typically the only choice is a one of a group of lenders willing to take a higher risk. This is also where we come in.
Besides reminding people with credit issues that they probably have an alternative to a local tote the note dealer, Auto Credit Express specializes in placing applicants with franchised new car dealers that can offer them their best opportunity for approved auto loans.
So if you’re ready to establish your auto credit, you can begin now by filling out our online auto loans application.