Do you know what your credit score is? Most people don’t. Some people have bad credit and just leave it alone, but even bad credit can be turned around. You can improve your credit score now.

Don’t make the mistake of trusting CRAs, like TransUnion . I think just about all files, including yours, have errors on them. Let’s go over some things you should do.

1. You can stop collection agencies, remove bad credit items and more. This guy who had 60 negative items shows you how. Click that link.

2. Get a free copy of your credit report with all 3 major agencies. Think it’s all the same? Think again. Be prepared to see a lot of errors. At least now you know.

3. Verify your information. If you have a good account that’s missing on your credit report, get it on there. You need to contact the CRA to get any “good” items put on. That guy above shows you how.

4. Don’t rush out to pay off accounts. You could harm your credit identity for a long time. Many people mistakenly rush to pay off things that show up—you might not even owe the debt. Be careful here.

5. You need to “dispute” incorrect data. It’s not hard at all. You’ll have to contact the CRA. That guy gives sample letters and instructions.

6. Don’t use too much credit! If your credit available from all credit cards is say $5,000 and your credit balances are $2,500, you’re using 50% of your available credit. This is bad, very bad. Keep your credit use to 0-30% of your maximum total credit. It’s possibly that you’re losing 100 points from this one issue alone. It’s that important.

7. Don’t apply for everything under the sun. Applying for new credit “marks” your file and can cause you to be denied in the future. They eventually drop off.

It’s not in the credit agency’s best interest to have your file perfect. Do yourself a favor and visit that guy’s site above.

Authority:

CNN money