In order to improve your credit score, you may need to both eliminate negative information as well as establish positive credit history.

Learn how to remove negative items from your credit report at

Your credit score depends mostly on your payment history for the last 2 years and your total debt over the total amount of available credit. What is most important is that you pay on time. If you have been paying on time, then your credit score should be excellent. Is there any reason why you should think that it is otherwise? Is there something else that we should know? The link below provides much more information about credit scores.

Carrying a balance on a credit card does not improve your credit rating. Pay the card off in full every month and save the interest.

Since you have a mix of mortgage, installment and tradeline credit, a second credit card might improve your rating but I don’t think it would be that much.

More important is how much of the credit limit are you using on the existing credit card? 50% or more would kill you score. Pay it down at least below 30%. Paying it in full every month is even better.

I don’t know if it will improve your credit rating but the following will improve your credit rating.

1. not being late with a payment
2. not going over your credit limit
3. having credit

When you get a credit card and use it correctly (much to the chagrin of the lenders) purchase what you want and pay it off within the grace period. That way you establish your credit, and use the lendors money for free for 25 to 30 days depending on your credit card agreement.

My dad used to say that if you can not pay cash for it then you don’t need it. Times have changed but if you use the same philosphy with credit and the grace period you will be alright