Accuracy is the
first thing to address and the fastest way to boost your score. Find and
fix any mistakes that could be pulling your score down. Your credit score
is based on the information contained in your credit reports. "For someone
who has never seen a credit report or hasn't checked in several years,
I recommend getting all three and looking at all of them, because each
contains different information," says McClary. For those who check regularly,
use the free credit reports to monitor your accounts. Stagger your requests
for the free reports so you see one every four months. "With ID theft
running rampant, it seems like you need to check more often these days,"
McClary says. "Maybe once a year isn't enough anymore."
Tip:
Request
free credit reports from each of the three credit reporting agencies.
