Boost your credit score

Source: Money.com

Your total balance should not exceed 30 percent of your total credit limit across all your credit cards.

The bigger your balance as a percent of your credit limit , the lower your score will be.

Consider increasing your credit limit by open a few more credit cards but use them sparingly.

However, newer credit accounts may lower your score in the short term.

Don't close any unused older credit accounts.

Closing accounts would lower your total credit limit; and older accounts count more than newer ones in your credit score.

Don’t send in your loan or credit card payments late.

On average past delinquencies that were resolved might still cost you 15 to 20 points of credit score.

Order a free credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus, and make sure they're accurate.

Order a report from one of the three credit bureaus every four months. Free report by going to annualcreditreport.com or calling 877-322-8228.