Comment from Dixie Darlin’
Time February 12, 2010 at 11:51 am

The best way to raise your score is to pay your bills on time. If the negative accounts are marked “paid” and you are current on your open accounts only time will improve your score, and it will not happen quickly.

Try to open a new line of credit and start to re-build your credit. If you can not get approved for an unsecured credit card, then open an account with your local bank or credit union with $500. Tell them you want a secured credit card. Pay off every month.

After a few months try for a unsecured card again.

Comment from bdancer222
Time February 12, 2010 at 12:22 pm

Paying derogatory items does not improve your score. The damage is done and will remain the balance of the 7 year reporting period, whether paid, settled, or unpaid.

If you are carrying any balances on credit cards, pay them off. Carrying balances of more than 30% of your limit, hurts your score. Paying them off will give you a score boost.

Other than that, there is no way to quickly improve your score. You need at least 24 months of consistent, on-time payment history to improve your score. You build credit over years, not months.