How to Improve Your Credit Before You Buy

A higher credit score can mean a lower interest rate and a lower monthly payment. Most of the steps that help are free.

Steps That Help

• Get your free reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com
• Dispute errors directly with the credit bureaus at no cost
• Pay every bill on time; set up autopay for minimums
• Pay down credit card balances to well below their limits
• Avoid opening new credit accounts in the months before you apply

Watch Out For

Be cautious of companies that charge upfront fees to 'repair' your credit or promise to remove accurate negative information. You can do everything they do yourself for free.