When you apply for credit, lenders determine your credit risk by examining your credit scores. Here are some of the ways you can maintain a high credit score:

• Complete credit applications carefully and accurately.
• Use your credit cards responsibly and don’t let them reach their limit or spend beyond your means.
• Attempt to pay your credit card balance in full each month, but at least make the minimum payment by the due date.
• Always pay bills on time.
• If you have problems paying your bills, contact your creditors. In many cases, they will work with you to figure out a payment plan.
• If you move, let your creditors know your new address as soon as possible to avoid losing bills or receiving them late.
• If your credit card is lost or stolen, report it immediately.
• Review your credit reports periodically for accuracy and report any errors immediately.
• Establish a consistent work history.
• Customers not to over commit themselves with high debt levels.
• Try to stick with one lending institute for a good track record and proper debt management.
• Need to set up a culture of savings and they need to start small and grow, they need to eradicate the temptation to withdraw as they see their balance growing
• Each pay day they should put aside say $5.00 as a start at least.

Your Credit Report

You can request a copy of your credit report from the credit reporting agencies listed above.

Report mistakes right away if you find inaccuracies on your credit reports such as incorrect late payments, accounts that should have been closed or other people’s debt information. Errors could lower your credit score, costing you money.

You’re the one who has to ensure your report is correct. If you find an issue:

• Check the last page of your report for instructions for claim disputes.
• Contact the credit reporting agency and report the error immediately.

Put it in writing – if the issue remains unresolved, provide a letter of explanation and request that it become part of your report.