How to improve your credit worthiness?

It takes time and there is no quick fix for eliminating past aspects of your credit history that may be negatively affecting your credit score.  Here are some illustrations of the examples of creditworthy behavior:

- Pay all of your bills on time. Paying late, or having your account sent to a collection agency has a negative impact on your credit score.

- Try not to run your balances up to your credit limit. Keeping your account balances below 75% of your available credit may also help your score.

- Avoid applying for credit unless you have a genuine need for a new account. Too many inquiries in a short period of time can sometimes be interpreted as a sign that you are opening numerous credit accounts due to financial difficulties, or overextending yourself by taking on more debt than you can actually repay. A flurry of inquiries will prompt most lenders to ask you why. However, most scoring formulas will not penalize you if, for example, you are shopping for the best mortgage rate or the best car loan.