How can I increase my score? While it is difficult to increase your score over the short run, here are some tips to increase your score over of time.

• Pay your bills on time. Late payments and collections can have a serious impact on your score. Note that late payments, collections and bankruptcies are the most heavily weighted of the reason codes.
• Reduce your credit-card balances. If you consistently have high balances on your credit cards, your credit score will be negatively affected. Note that this applies to the second most heavily weighted reason code.
• If you have limited credit, obtain additional credit. Not having sufficient credit can negatively affect your score.
• Do not apply for credit frequently. Having a large number of inquiries on your credit report can worsen your score.