We all need to have good credit scores in order to get along in our economy. Home mortgages, car loans, credit cards and more all require good credit. Fortunately, since many of us have had credit difficulties at one time or another, there are a few tips and techniques that can help improve and repair your credit.

There are 3 major credit-reporting agencies, TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. Make sure that you get a current credit report from all three. You are entitled to one free report each year.

However, if you are willing to spend a few dollars it may help you to get a tri-merged report that has all of the information from all three reporting agencies consolidated into one report in an easy to read and understand format. Having all of the pertinent information on one report may make your credit repair job much simpler.

Make Sure Your Reports Are Accurate

Next up, check out the reports for inaccurate information. Just because it is listed on the report does not mean that it is accurate. Make sure that your highest credit limits are listed. Many companies are notorious for not reporting credit limits.

This influences your credit score because most of your credit score is based upon your available credit compared to the credit that you have used. Make sure that you are using only 35% or less of the credit limit that you have to ensure the best credit scores.

Get Rid Of Duplicates

Many times you will find duplicate accounts listed on your report. These duplicate reports may not be negative but they still affect your scores negatively because they show more outstanding credit than you actually have.

To increase your credit scores get higher credit limits and maintain lower debt balances. Duplicate accounts take away from this goal because they show more debt than you really have.

What About Collection Accounts?

Older collection accounts need to be disputed. Never pay off an older collection account, as this brings the account current which will have a negative impact on your score.

Also collection account are frequently bought and sold and even though the companies are required to report that they no longer own the account this does not always happen and this can result in duplicate accounts listed on your report. If you have a collection account that is newer and correct you should probably just pay it off.

What Is This?

You may find some unknown things on your account that you know are not yours. This happens even more often when you have a common name but it can happen to anyone because of crimes like identity theft. If the credit does not belong to you make sure that you dispute it and get it removed from your account.

As you are repairing your credit begin working towards building new positive credit. Do not get department store or furniture store credit to accomplish this, as that type of credit is not seen as beneficial as other credit. Get a MasterCard or a Visa.

If you are unable to qualify for a regular credit card, begin with a prepaid card. You can get a prepaid credit card for as little as $300 and then work your way up to a regular credit card.

You can attempt to repair your credit yourself, however, it may help you to consult a professional credit repair company. A company that specializes in in credit repair has the knowledge that can do it right the first time and you will have good credit before you know it.

It is well worth it to have a pro help you!

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