Q.
How can I get my credit score higher? Mine is in the lower 700s, and I wonder if it’s because I have so many credit cards.
A.
If you opened those accounts in a short period of time, lenders might think you’re running out of money. But your score is still far from terrible. While each rating company has its own scale, Experian Consumer Direct has a high of 850, which would make your score near prime. Plus, Experian just found that three out of every 10 U.S. consumers improved their credit score by up to 50 points in just six months. Boost yours by paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, closing any that have a zero balance, and paying off debt directly from your checking or savings account.
-- The Nest Editors
Feb 22, 2011
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