[noelleb]

Some tips to improve credit score:

1) The first thing is to collect the credit reports from all the three bureaus’s because all three of them will have different credit reports. In the case of getting mortgage, the lender will collect all the three reports and decide based on the middle one. Some lenders decide only on one report. You can also talk to your lender if they can have the credit report checked for you because some lenders do it within 36 to 72 hours instead of 30 days.

2) Bills should be paid on time because your credit score mainly depends on how your bills are paid. While paying the bills you have to keep in mind that you pay it before the deadline. Even if you cannot pay the whole amount, at least some amount has to be done before the deadline. There may be a case where you may think whether deadline is important or paying more money, no doubt by paying more money, interest rates would be low but not paying before the deadline will affect your credit report.

3) Old accounts should never be closed. Your score depends on the average duration of your cards. The longer, the better credit scores. If you want to close accounts with high annual fees do so in 1 year that too one account, but not within a timeframe of six months.

Does anyone have any other tips?

[FicoKitteh]

Those are some great tips. My score is currently 644 (below average -- but in my eyes, not atrocious). I do want to boost my credit score, but frankly, I've been really low on funds so I'm having trouble catching up with my bills. Is there any way you can speak to a sales rep for a credit card or loan to work with them?
I realize that I will probably never have the credit of a forex broker, but I DO want to boost it for the purpose of moving into a CHEAPER apartment.