Trying to fix your credit? Start with on-time payments
NerdWallet expert says paying every bill on time — and avoiding late payments — can make a difference over time
(InvestigateTV) — Increasing your credit score takes time, but it can be done.
Personal finance expert Sara Rathner with NerdWallet said the number one way to raise a credit score is to pay all bills on time, every month.
“At least the minimum amount due and in the case of your credit cards, the more the better. And if you can pay those bills in full, do it,” Rathner said. “Not just credit cards but any other loans. So, if you have a student loan payment, a car loan, your mortgage, obviously make all of those payments on time.”
Rathner said it’s also important to pay other bills on time, including utilities and cell phone bills. And for renters, she said paying rent on time matters, too.
For those that struggle to remember the different bill deadlines throughout the month, Rathner suggested setting up alerts for when a bill is due.
“You can also rely on autopay,” Rathner said. “If you have the money and funding in your checking account to support paying your bills automatically, then do that. Get it off of your mind, not just with credit card bills, but you also do this with other loan payments as well.”
Rathner said avoiding late payments is critical. She said a payment that is more than 30 days late can drop your credit score dramatically.
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