When you apply for credit, print clearly. Consistently use your complete name. Providing complete, accurate and consistent identification on your credit applications helps set up your credit history correctly from the beginning. It also minimizes the chance that your credit file will be incomplete or mixed with another consumer's file. Pay your bills on time, regardless.
Most lenders look at the most recent information on a report.
So if you've paid your accounts on time for the last two to three years, the lender may ignore a series of late payments from five years ago. Call the number on the bottom of your credit report to let us know if any items on the report are inaccurate. Without charge, Experian will investigate any information you question as inaccurate and send you the results within 30 days. Set up a budget, and live within it. In the age of self-help and empowerment, managing your finances should top your list.