How do you clear up bad credit?

There is no fast and easy way to repair damaged credit that took months or years to occur.

The first step is to check your existing credit record. Anyone can obtain copies of their own credit report free of charge if they have been turned down for credit recently.

For a fee, people can request copies of their own credit report from the three major credit reporting agencies. The bureau also should provide instructions on how to read the report and how to dispute any inaccuracies it contains.

If the credit report is correct, take care of any outstanding delinquent obligations first.