How to Improve Your Credit
If you have a lower credit score than you would like, you CAN do something about it. Regardless of the reasons for your credit woes (misuse of credit, failure to pay bills, illness, unemployment), it's important to take steps to improve and maintain it. It's hard work to rebuild your credit rating, but it can be done, and it's well worth the effort.

Depending on how serious your past and present credit problems are, it may take time and patience to achieve good credit, but you don't need an expensive "credit-repair" clinic to do it. They don't have any special tricks up their sleeves; there's nothing they can do for you that you can't do for yourself -- for free. Instead, work with a reputable nonprofit credit counseling organization listed below or use the following tips right now:

Pay bills on time. The most important rule for maintaining good credit is to pay your bills on time. You can begin to improve your credit history immediately by making at least the minimum payments on time. Within a few months it will be obvious that you are managing your credit responsibilities better and a new, stronger credit report will result. 

Use credit sparingly. A general rule of thumb is to spend no more than a third of your income on all debt, including mortgages, credit cards and consumer loans. Try to use credit cards only for purchases that have long-term value, such as furniture, medical care, or emergency repairs. DON'T depend on credit cards for everyday frills like dining out or entertainment.

Correct mistakes. Your credit is a reflection of the information in your credit report. If your credit report contains negative information, it will negatively impact your credit regardless of whether or not the information is accurate. Review your reports from all three credit bureaus for accuracy once a year as well as several months before applying for a loan. 

Pay more than the minimum required. When you pay only the minimum due each month, you end up paying a lot of money in interest charges. For example, If you have a card with an 18.5 percent interest rate, it will take you more than 11 years to pay off a debt of $2,000 if you pay only the minimum balance due each month. You will also pay interest charges of $1,934, almost doubling the cost of your purchase.

Work with a reputable nonprofit credit counseling organization. Reputable nonprofit community-based credit counseling organizations can provide one-on-one assistance to help you improve your credit. Don't confuse expensive credit-repair clinics with legitimate nonprofit credit counseling organizations. Be sure to watch out for organizations that charge big upfront fees, make unrealistic promises, and lack accreditation credentials.

How can I Get Credit for Paying Your Bills On Time
You no longer need credit in order to get credit. If you pay your monthly bills on time, you can build a positive credit file with PRBC. As your credit file grows, you'll qualify for new credit offers and better rates.

We can help you qualify for a mortgage or auto loan. Soon, you'll be able to use your credit file to get a cell phone, credit card, or personal loan.
Build Credit with Bills You've Already Paid.

If you're applying for a mortgage, or would like to build your credit file as quickly as possible, jumpstart your PRBC credit file using payments you've already made.

1. Enroll today - signing up is easy and takes under five minutes.
2. Enter your basic account information for the bills you now pay - rent, utilities, cable, phone, etc. The more accounts you've paid on time, the better your credit file will look to lenders.
3. Order a verification. Blue Star Credit Solutions uses FCRA-certified specialists to ensure the accuracy of your bill payment history. Once the verification is complete, you can use your Blue Star Credit Report to qualify for a mortgage, auto loan, and better interest rates.

What is a Credit Reports & History
A credit report is a record of how you have paid your credit card debt and other loans. A credit report shows how much debt you have, if you have made your payments on time, or if you have not paid back some loans at all. Creditors use this report to decide whether you qualify for a loan or credit card, and landlords, employers, and insurers can base an offer for an apartment or job or a policy on the information. Credit reports contain the following information:

• Social Security numbers, current and previous addresses, nicknames, spouse's name, year of birth, plus current and previous employers; 
• Records of loans, credit cards, bank accounts, and retail store accounts; 
• Public information on bankruptcy, tax liens, or legal judgments against you; 
• Names of people who have obtained copies of your credit report within the last six months (two years for employment purposes).

You can get a copy of your credit report by contacting each of the three main credit bureaus. A credit bureau is a private record keeping business that maintains information about and how you use credit to pay your bills. Since reports may vary from bureau to bureau and errors may exist in one report and not another, you should get copies of your report from each credit bureau. 
Equifax Information Services, LLC
www.equifax.com 

Experian National Consumer Assistance Center
www.experian.com 

TransUnion Consumer Disclosure Center
www.transunion.com  
Credit reports are often accurate; however, errors do occur occasionally. It is important to review your credit report at least once a year for errors or outdated information that can affect credit scores and your ability to qualify for a loan at a competitive rate. 

It's relatively easy to correct errors. You simply send the credit-reporting agency a letter notifying them about the error. The agency is required to investigate the complaint within 30 days and respond with its results. If the agency finds that the information in the report is inaccurate, the creditor must notify the other major credit-reporting agencies of the error. If the credit reporting agency does not find an error, but you still believe the report is inaccurate, they can contact the creditor directly to resolve the problem. You also have the right to submit a written statement of up to 100 words that will appear on their credit report to explain the problem.