Credit History Is More Important Than Credit Score

Your credit payment history is the most important factor affecting your credit score and unlike your credit score, it’s something you can review and manage on your own. Here are four important steps that you should complete:

Step 1: Order a Credit Report

Getting a copy of your credit report is the best way to view your credit payment history.

The best way to do that is by visiting the government-authorized website annualcreditreport.com. You can go there to order a free credit report from any of the
three big credit-reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Step 2: Review Your History

Once you get a copy of your credit report, be sure to review your credit payment history for the following:

• Inaccurate personal information

• Unrecognized credit, loan and household-bill accounts

• Incorrect payment history entries

• Any inaccurate account status (such as a closed account marked as open)

• Incorrect credit limits and balances

• Any other errors

• Any unresolved debts (overdue balances that remain unpaid and may even be flagged for collection)

Your findings will tell you what kind of action you may need to take.

If you determine your history is accurate and positive, you can take comfort in knowing your credit score will reflect that. No action is necessary. You can skip Step 3 below and move on to Step 4.

However, if you see any blemishes, such as inaccurate entries or unresolved debts, those could have a negative impact on your credit score. Move on to Step 3 below.

Step 3: Repair Your History

You’ll want to address any credit information that is inaccurate or unresolved.

• If your credit report lists any incorrect items, be proactive. Contact the credit reporting company that supplied your report and request to have those items corrected. You also will need to contact each business that supplied wrong information to request a correction. For more detailed instructions about how to dispute errors, visit this Federal Trade Commission webpage: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/disputing-errors-your-credit-reports.

• If your credit report lists an unresolved item, then take action to remedy the situation. For example, if your report lists an open collection action, contact the creditor. Ask if you can negotiate for either new payment terms or a total payment that is less than what you actually owe. Then follow through with the new plan and pay down that debt as quickly as possible. This will help clean up your credit history so that you can reapply with confidence.
  
  

Step 4: Keep Checking Your Credit History

Continue to order free copies of your credit report. Then compare each new report with your previous reports. You’ll want to make sure the reported information is accurate. That’s because it's always easier to correct inaccuracies sooner rather than later.

Do You Want to Get on the Road to Owning a Car or Home?

Building a more perfect credit history is key to making that happen. However, at Heartland Bank, we understand that financial situations can be unique from one to another and that’s why we offer our Money Matters Small Dollar Loan Program, to assist you in building or repairing your personal credit.

Interested? Sign up for a class - offered year-round, both online and in person!