Don’t ever be late on a payment. – Even one late payment for anything (credit card, rent, car) can drop your credit score for a few months.

Check your credit report often. – If you think there is an error on your account, resolve it immediately, rather than waiting until you need a loan.

Do not max out your cards. – The way your credit score is calculated, the more balance you have available on your cards, the higher your score will be. Always pay for your purchases in full when the bill comes, if possible. If not, do not exceed 30% of your available line of credit on any card.

Do not have multiple cards. – Unless you have a need for many different credit cards, try to have as few open as possible. This will help reduce the urge to use them on things that you don’t need, helping to keep your score in check.

Do not close old cards unless you must. – The longer you have had a credit card for, the higher it counts towards your credit score. Closing an account removes it from your list of available credit, reducing your score for a temporary period of time.

If you have never had a credit card, look at your local bank or credit union. They will offer credit cards to new borrowers who have accounts with the bank. This can help establish new credit. Another service they offer is a signature loan. In exchange for you signing your name agreeing to repay money, they will give you a cash loan. Provided you pay it back on time, it will build credit.

Your credit score is one of the most important things in your life. Protect it with these rules. However, if you find yourself in need of credit counseling, Vivix Credit Solutions offers a free in-office consultation where one of their financial experts will sit down with you and discuss your situation. The fact that this service is offered free of charge means there is no risk involved. It can only work to your benefit to have a professional credit counselor overlook your financials to see if you need to take any action.