Posts Tagged Bad Credit
How To Get Rid Of Bad Information On Your Credit Report By Writing Letters
Helen Hecker asked:
Assuming you already have a copy of your annual credit report you may have already found some errors that should be removed. Errors should always be a big concern because they can and probably have affected your credit score, also called a FICO. You can repair your credit with a little bit of help.
It may seem like a lot of work but it’s really easy. The hardest part is actually sitting down to do it. You’ll need to check all three credit bureaus to make sure the same error isn’t on all three but if you just have one credit report, start with that one.
First make a list of any and all errors that you find on your personal credit report. These could be in the form of personal information such as birth date or more likely there will be information that you know not to be true such as late payments or no payments recorded etc. If you think there is any possibility that you could be wrong check your past history with the creditor in question first.
You want to make sure you are right before you make the request to have any information removed from your credit report.
You will be sending the letter only to the credit bureau mentioned on the report, which would be Esperian, Equifax or TransUnion. You don’t want to sound angry in the letter, just be matter-of-fact, straightforward and business-like. Just outline the facts – name of creditor, dates, and the error(s) or problem(s) you’re finding on the credit report.
Here is a sample letter:
Date:
To whom it may concern at Esperian (or other credit bureau):
I recently acquired a copy of my credit report and found some errors that I’d like to dispute. I am enclosing documentation to prove the information is incorrect and would like a correction. I value my good standing and good credit history and want to maintain a good credit rating and credit score.
Name the creditor along with the reference date including the month, day and year if possible.
The error(s) I have found are:
I’m including copies of my payment record, with a (cancelled check or online payment print-outs or any other documentation that you have).
I would appreciate any attention to the matter as I would like my credit report to be accurate. I’m sure you understand that credit bureaus need to include only information that is accurate in my file.
Thank you for taking a look at my letter and file and hopefully making the necessary corrections so I can continue to maintain my good credit standing. Please let me know that my file has been reviewed and what action has been taken. I would also like a copy of my corrected credit report sent to the enclosed address. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Besides your full name as shown on the report, include you mailing address, a copy of the report that you have, your social security number, driver’s license photocopy and any other documentation such as a cancelled check or online payment confirmations.
Make a copy of the letter for yourself and a copy of any enclosures with the letter. Send the dispute letter by certified mail with a ‘return receipt’ requested. Then make sure to get the free credit reports from the other two main credit bureaus or reporting agencies to make sure they don’t have the same incorrect information. You can get free instant credit reports from the other two online.
Jessie
Assuming you already have a copy of your annual credit report you may have already found some errors that should be removed. Errors should always be a big concern because they can and probably have affected your credit score, also called a FICO. You can repair your credit with a little bit of help.
It may seem like a lot of work but it’s really easy. The hardest part is actually sitting down to do it. You’ll need to check all three credit bureaus to make sure the same error isn’t on all three but if you just have one credit report, start with that one.
First make a list of any and all errors that you find on your personal credit report. These could be in the form of personal information such as birth date or more likely there will be information that you know not to be true such as late payments or no payments recorded etc. If you think there is any possibility that you could be wrong check your past history with the creditor in question first.
You want to make sure you are right before you make the request to have any information removed from your credit report.
You will be sending the letter only to the credit bureau mentioned on the report, which would be Esperian, Equifax or TransUnion. You don’t want to sound angry in the letter, just be matter-of-fact, straightforward and business-like. Just outline the facts – name of creditor, dates, and the error(s) or problem(s) you’re finding on the credit report.
Here is a sample letter:
Date:
To whom it may concern at Esperian (or other credit bureau):
I recently acquired a copy of my credit report and found some errors that I’d like to dispute. I am enclosing documentation to prove the information is incorrect and would like a correction. I value my good standing and good credit history and want to maintain a good credit rating and credit score.
Name the creditor along with the reference date including the month, day and year if possible.
The error(s) I have found are:
I’m including copies of my payment record, with a (cancelled check or online payment print-outs or any other documentation that you have).
I would appreciate any attention to the matter as I would like my credit report to be accurate. I’m sure you understand that credit bureaus need to include only information that is accurate in my file.
Thank you for taking a look at my letter and file and hopefully making the necessary corrections so I can continue to maintain my good credit standing. Please let me know that my file has been reviewed and what action has been taken. I would also like a copy of my corrected credit report sent to the enclosed address. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Besides your full name as shown on the report, include you mailing address, a copy of the report that you have, your social security number, driver’s license photocopy and any other documentation such as a cancelled check or online payment confirmations.
Make a copy of the letter for yourself and a copy of any enclosures with the letter. Send the dispute letter by certified mail with a ‘return receipt’ requested. Then make sure to get the free credit reports from the other two main credit bureaus or reporting agencies to make sure they don’t have the same incorrect information. You can get free instant credit reports from the other two online.
Jessie
I have 16 credit cards. Is that bad?
Angel asked:
I have 16 credit cards, however, 2 of them are Business Cards (so they aren’t even reported to my consume credit report, but instead to a Dunn and Bradstreet credit report?)
I have 16 credit cards, however, 2 of them are Business Cards (so they aren’t even reported to my consume credit report, but instead to a Dunn and Bradstreet credit report?)
I have 14 personal credit cards.. 2 of them are Store Credit Cards. 12 of them are visa/mastercard/amex/discover. Okay, all of them are paid off and have a $0 balance on them, except for 3 of them. And the LOWEST credit limit I have on 1 card — It’s a $500 credit limit. The rest are 1k+. I am scared this will hurt my credit score, but I’ve NEVER been late on any card, never gone over the credit limit on any of them. 2 of them I plan on paying off completely. The last one, I pay about 20 dollars more than the minimum payment they ask for.
Is this hurting my credit? Even though I pay them all on time, never missed a payment, never gone over my limit, etc?
Robert
how can i get a personal loan without a bank account an bad credit?
Nichole asked:
i need a small prsonal loan to catch up my home bills how do i get approved without a bank account an bad credit reports
Julie
i need a small prsonal loan to catch up my home bills how do i get approved without a bank account an bad credit reports
Julie
The Truth Behind Common Myths About Your Credit Report
Jon Arnold asked:
It is truly amazing to note the number of “facts” that many people think they know about credit reports and how various factors affect your credit score that are just simply untrue. For as much importance that is placed on having as good of a credit report and credit score as possible these days, it is critical for the consumer to understand the truth behind how your credit score is affected by various things. This is especially important in today’s world, as car insurance companies and even many employers are now checking a consumer’s credit report before making a decision about their insurance premiums or making a job offer.
Myth #1: When my fiance and I get married, we will have a joint credit report and the negatives from our individual reports will go away.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Even after you are married, you will still have separate credit reports. Any new credit items added to your report will be the result of opening joint accounts or having your name added to their existing account. Any negative information that was there before will still be there.
Myth #2: As long as my credit cards are not over their credit limit, they will give me a good credit score.
Not completely true. The two worst things you can do to get a bad credit score are to consistently miss or be late with payments, and to go over your credit limit. If you make your payments on time and stay under your credit limit, you will get an “ok” rating on that credit card. But to maximize the number of points you get on your credit card towards your credit score, it is best to keep your outstanding balance at about 20-30% of your credit limit.
Myth #3: When you negotiate a settlement amount with a lender, that account will show up as being fine on your credit report.
Wrong. If you have to negotiate something, that would indicate that you are working on a deal to pay them some amount less than what you actually owe. In that case, it will definitely have a negative effect on your credit score and show up as a negative item.
Myth #4: Closing old accounts will raise your credit score.
Totally inaccurate and in fact, can very potentially have the opposite effect and lower your credit score. Remember, your credit score is a picture of your credit history, and if you close old accounts, your credit history is reduced, thereby potentially lowering your overall score.
Myth #5: The best or only way to raise your credit score is to use one of the companies that specialize in that.
This is the biggest myth and also one of the biggest pieces of hogwash. Some of those companies that claim they can fix your credit can do so to varying degrees, and some cannot do a thing. But the real truth of the matter is that none of those companies can do anything that you cannot do yourself at no charge except for postage stamps. In fact, since you are the consumer who is disputing his or her own credit report, you actually have more clout in this way than those companies do.
Myth #6: Errors on your credit report are rare, and will correct themselves automatically when they occur.
Absolute baloney. The truth of the matter is that the vast majority of consumers have errors on their credit report. Compound that with the fact that those errors do NOT correct themselves, ever, unless you point out the error and dispute it.
Your credit score and credit history are used in a wide variety of places and the use of them is increasing every day. It is definitely worth your time and effort to get copies of your credit report and ensure that it is accurate, which is a huge step towards raising your credit score.
Alice
It is truly amazing to note the number of “facts” that many people think they know about credit reports and how various factors affect your credit score that are just simply untrue. For as much importance that is placed on having as good of a credit report and credit score as possible these days, it is critical for the consumer to understand the truth behind how your credit score is affected by various things. This is especially important in today’s world, as car insurance companies and even many employers are now checking a consumer’s credit report before making a decision about their insurance premiums or making a job offer.
Myth #1: When my fiance and I get married, we will have a joint credit report and the negatives from our individual reports will go away.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Even after you are married, you will still have separate credit reports. Any new credit items added to your report will be the result of opening joint accounts or having your name added to their existing account. Any negative information that was there before will still be there.
Myth #2: As long as my credit cards are not over their credit limit, they will give me a good credit score.
Not completely true. The two worst things you can do to get a bad credit score are to consistently miss or be late with payments, and to go over your credit limit. If you make your payments on time and stay under your credit limit, you will get an “ok” rating on that credit card. But to maximize the number of points you get on your credit card towards your credit score, it is best to keep your outstanding balance at about 20-30% of your credit limit.
Myth #3: When you negotiate a settlement amount with a lender, that account will show up as being fine on your credit report.
Wrong. If you have to negotiate something, that would indicate that you are working on a deal to pay them some amount less than what you actually owe. In that case, it will definitely have a negative effect on your credit score and show up as a negative item.
Myth #4: Closing old accounts will raise your credit score.
Totally inaccurate and in fact, can very potentially have the opposite effect and lower your credit score. Remember, your credit score is a picture of your credit history, and if you close old accounts, your credit history is reduced, thereby potentially lowering your overall score.
Myth #5: The best or only way to raise your credit score is to use one of the companies that specialize in that.
This is the biggest myth and also one of the biggest pieces of hogwash. Some of those companies that claim they can fix your credit can do so to varying degrees, and some cannot do a thing. But the real truth of the matter is that none of those companies can do anything that you cannot do yourself at no charge except for postage stamps. In fact, since you are the consumer who is disputing his or her own credit report, you actually have more clout in this way than those companies do.
Myth #6: Errors on your credit report are rare, and will correct themselves automatically when they occur.
Absolute baloney. The truth of the matter is that the vast majority of consumers have errors on their credit report. Compound that with the fact that those errors do NOT correct themselves, ever, unless you point out the error and dispute it.
Your credit score and credit history are used in a wide variety of places and the use of them is increasing every day. It is definitely worth your time and effort to get copies of your credit report and ensure that it is accurate, which is a huge step towards raising your credit score.
Alice
buying a new or used vehicle with bad credit?
stephanie b asked:
Ok I want to buy a vehicle but I have poor credit currently I am working to build my score, What Im wanting to know is
what is the Standard interest rate for someone with poor credit?
Should I go to several dealers or just stick with one ?
Do they all follow the basic guidelines for wheeling and dealing?
I have been back to work for the past 7 months, My income is fairly good
I am paying on my bills but I guess it will take time for it to come off my credit report so Im worried when i go apply for a vehicle new or used they will see my past and offer the highest possible Interest rate. What can I expect?
Should I try the bank 1st or maybe get a personal loan
I dont want to be stuck paying for a vehicle that is going to cost me more than it is actually worth but I suppose if this is my only choice due to my neglecting my credit in the past I will have to bite the bullet,but Im hoping someone out there has had the same exp and willing to share advice
thank you
Miguel
Ok I want to buy a vehicle but I have poor credit currently I am working to build my score, What Im wanting to know is
what is the Standard interest rate for someone with poor credit?
Should I go to several dealers or just stick with one ?
Do they all follow the basic guidelines for wheeling and dealing?
I have been back to work for the past 7 months, My income is fairly good
I am paying on my bills but I guess it will take time for it to come off my credit report so Im worried when i go apply for a vehicle new or used they will see my past and offer the highest possible Interest rate. What can I expect?
Should I try the bank 1st or maybe get a personal loan
I dont want to be stuck paying for a vehicle that is going to cost me more than it is actually worth but I suppose if this is my only choice due to my neglecting my credit in the past I will have to bite the bullet,but Im hoping someone out there has had the same exp and willing to share advice
thank you
Miguel
Credit Fix Now Tips – How to Start Boosting Your Own Credit Report Score
Darin Sewell asked:
I need a credit fix now! That phrase is often muttered by people who have just been turned down for financing or a much needed loan due to their bad credit score. If you are one of these unfortunate people then keep reading because the easy to read article below will briefly touch on some ways you can get your credit fixed up now!
The best way to start boosting your FICO scores is to look at your current debt and income. Next set up a budget that will allow you to pay down your debt faster and also save a little bit every month. You may have to cut out some luxury expenses to free up some money to pay off the debt faster but it is well worth the sacrifice!
After you are set up on a sensible budget the next step is to get one or two positive accounts reporting on your credit report. This can be easily accomplished with secured charge cards and also with smaller accounts like department store cards. Use these accounts sensibly and never ever miss a payment or your scores will fall farther instead of getting better!
The next major step is to actually perform self credit repair on your report. This process involves disputing negative and incorrect information that is listed on your report. This is done by making a list of the negative and false information and writing credit dispute letters to the reporting bureaus.
Once they receive your letters the bureaus are required to investigate your dispute with the original account issuer who is reporting the information. If they cannot provide proof of the activity and fail to respond inside of thirty days then the information will be taken off your report and your FICO scores will rise as a result!
Nellie
I need a credit fix now! That phrase is often muttered by people who have just been turned down for financing or a much needed loan due to their bad credit score. If you are one of these unfortunate people then keep reading because the easy to read article below will briefly touch on some ways you can get your credit fixed up now!
The best way to start boosting your FICO scores is to look at your current debt and income. Next set up a budget that will allow you to pay down your debt faster and also save a little bit every month. You may have to cut out some luxury expenses to free up some money to pay off the debt faster but it is well worth the sacrifice!
After you are set up on a sensible budget the next step is to get one or two positive accounts reporting on your credit report. This can be easily accomplished with secured charge cards and also with smaller accounts like department store cards. Use these accounts sensibly and never ever miss a payment or your scores will fall farther instead of getting better!
The next major step is to actually perform self credit repair on your report. This process involves disputing negative and incorrect information that is listed on your report. This is done by making a list of the negative and false information and writing credit dispute letters to the reporting bureaus.
Once they receive your letters the bureaus are required to investigate your dispute with the original account issuer who is reporting the information. If they cannot provide proof of the activity and fail to respond inside of thirty days then the information will be taken off your report and your FICO scores will rise as a result!
Nellie