Don't overextend yourself. The fewer accounts you have open, the better. Check your credit record periodically to make sure it's correct. Nothing but the passing of time can reverse a bad credit history that's accurate. Negative information will generally stay for seven years.
Bankruptcies can stay for up to ten.
Don't leave your card or receipts out in the open. Someone could steal your card number and use it. Never give your card number over the phone unless you know that the company you are dealing with is trustworthy. Remember, accurate information can't be removed, but inaccurate information can be corrected by writing to the credit bureau. 800 888-4213 Terms and conditions .