Achieving a high credit score can seem like such a daunting task sometimes. Most people feel this way because there are so many things that affect your credit. With so many things affecting it, it can be difficult to know what to focus on to really get your score out of the dumps and into the tier 1 level. There are definitely a few things you can do to get started. This is a short list and there are many more, but the focus today is on the top 3.

Tip #1 - Creating More Available Credit

If you have a $3,000 credit card and it's maxed out, your credit is going to suffer. Many people don't realize that the lower credit balance you have available, (meaning the more money you have to use) the lower your score is going to be. The best option would of course be to pay the balance off each month but being practical it's something you can start to improve your score with the more you pay down your balance. Creditors like to see that you have available credit that isn't all used up.

Tip #2 - Settle With Collections

If you have ever had anything "written off", you know how frustrating it can be to get hassled and harassed by these agents wanting to get your money. The worst part is while you owe this money your credit is taking a nice long vacation. Most people don't know that you can actually "settle" with collection agencies. Basically by telling them what you WILL pay instead of what you WON'T pay will get them to lower the amount you owe. Think about it in their eyes, at least your paying some rather than none! You have to be up front with them and tell them you will pay a certain amount and not a penny more. The moment the debt is settled that will automatically make your score jump. It's always going to look better showing you paid off what you owed, even if it was written off!

Tip #3 - Use Your Credit Report

Did you know you can get a free copy of your credit report online? It's true! You can actually use your report to find very common mistakes that can be dragging down your score. Did you know that one in four reports have errors in them? Get a free copy and go through it noting the mistakes. You can have them disputed and taken off within 30 days. This will drastically increase your credit score, and it's proven!