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Credit Ratings 101

The Importance of Knowing Your Credit Score

By Cara J. Stevens

"If late payments are bringing you down, try to stay current from now on," Wickell says. "Once you've been current for awhile, write to your creditors and ask them to remove notations about late payments."

If you believe there are errors in your credit report, you have a right to dispute the information by contacting the agency directly. Any erroneous information must be removed from your record, although unresolved charges will remain until they have been investigated. It is possible to ask the reporting agency to freeze your reports while a dispute is in progress, but that may hamper any financial applications you initiate during the freeze.

"When money is tight, notify creditors of your circumstances and talk to them about making arrangements for lower payments until you find a new job," says Equifax's Learning Center. "Many creditors will appreciate your efforts, because it shows you are serious about your situation."

To keep good credit good, pay your bills on time, and use your credit responsibly, keeping balances low. Check your credit reports regularly, and stay on top of any disputes. The higher your score, the smoother your financial applications will be.