Life is full of twists and turns, and sometimes we encounter rough patches that can negatively impact our creditworthiness. Rebuilding credit may appear daunting, but fear not! In this article, we will explore 6 powerful ways to get back on track and boost your credit score. Let's dive right in!
1. Know your current credit status
Understanding your current financial position is the first step towards improving it. Obtain your credit report from trusted credit bureaus like TransUnion CIBIL. Check for inaccuracies, errors, or discrepancies, and promptly dispute any mistakes you find. Reporting inaccuracies and getting them corrected could significantly improve your credit score.
2. Pay bills on time
Your payment history carries significant weight in determining your creditworthiness. Late payments can severely dent your credit score. Therefore, it is essential to pay your bills on time, every time. Consider setting up automatic payments or reminders to avoid missing due dates. Consistent, timely payments will work wonders in rebuilding your credit.
3. Clear outstanding debts
Addressing outstanding debts is crucial when trying to improve your credit score. Begin by paying off any overdue bills or collections. Focus on high-interest debts first to save money on interest payments. A great approach is to create a debt repayment plan that aligns with your budget, ensuring timely payments to creditors.
4. Utilise credit wisely
While it may be tempting to avoid credit altogether, rebuilding credit requires responsible usage. If your traditional credit cards are off-limits due to your credit history, do not despair! Start by obtaining a secured credit card or a credit-builder loan. Use the card sparingly, keeping credit utilisation below 30%. Timely payments will exhibit your improved financial discipline and bolster your credit score.
5. Become an authorised user
Leverage the credit history of someone you trust, like a family member or close friend, by becoming an authorised user on one of their seasoned credit accounts. Ensure that the primary account holder has a positive credit history and low credit utilisation. As an authorised user, the account's positive payment history will be reflected on your credit report, giving your score a boost.
6. Do not close old accounts
Length of credit history plays a role in determining your credit score. As a result, avoid closing old and unused credit accounts, especially those in good standing. Keeping these accounts open can demonstrate your creditworthiness over time.
Armed with these 6 effective strategies to rebuild your credit, you are now on the path to financial redemption. Remember, building good credit takes time and perseverance, but it is well worth the effort.
A valuable resource in your credit-rebuilding quest is the Bajaj Finserv Credit Pass. This remarkable CIBIL-powered toolkit can help you build a good CIBIL Score through real-time credit health monitoring, regular CIBIL Score checks, and interactive tools that help you make smarter financial decisions. Sign up today for a year-long access to all Credit Pass benefits, completely free!
