Credit.com, Wherever you stand, we stand by you.®
NewsEducationAnswersForumCreditBloggersStatus  
  Chapter 11
  Improving Your Credit Score
  Step 1: Get Your Reports
  Step 2: Pay Bills On Time
  Step 3: Keep Using Credit
  Step 4: Pay Down Balances
  Step 5: Keep Accounts Active
  Step 6: Avoid New Credit
  Other Steps
  Advanced Tactics
  Playing With The Numbers
  Time Heals All Wounds
  Alternatives To Waiting
  New Credit Identity
  Weasels On Both Sides
  Quick Points To Remember
  Conclusion
  Previous Chapter
  Next Chapter
  Contents

 

Step 3: Keep Using Credit

Whether they’ve had credit problems in the past or they simply don’t trust credit, many people think they’re better off buying everything with cash. But when it comes to credit ratings, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Whether you’ve had a bankruptcy or some other tough financial situation, lenders want to see that you’ve been “rehabilitated.” They want to see that you’ve learned how to handle credit responsibly.

If you haven’t reestablished credit, you’re deemed just as risky as someone on the brink of collapse.

So, if you’re looking to improve your credit scores, don’t go from bad to bad. Use credit. Just use it responsibly.

Next: Step 4 - Pay Down Balances

 

QUICK TIP