ARTHUR CERVANTES PROPERTIES, INC.

ACP Credit Readiness Tool

Review. Understand. Improve habits. Correct real errors.

1. Start with your official reports

Review Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Reports can differ, so check all three.

Get Free Credit Reports Learn About FICO Scores

2. Credit utilization calculator

Total reported credit-card balances
Total credit-card limits

Enter your balances and limits.

This is an educational calculation, not a score prediction. Lower revolving utilization is generally more favorable than high utilization, but there is no single percentage that guarantees a particular FICO Score.

3. Quick report review

Check the boxes that you have completed.

4. If you find something wrong

Verify
Compare the report with statements, payment records and account documents.

Dispute with the bureau
Explain what is wrong and include copies of supporting documents.

Dispute with the furnisher
Contact the lender, creditor or collector that supplied the information.

Keep records
Save confirmation numbers, letters, attachments and results.

Do not confuse an error with accurate negative information. Accurate, current negative information generally cannot be legally removed just because it hurts your credit.

CFPB Dispute Instructions Identity Theft Help

5. Before a home-loan application

Pay bills on time, keep revolving balances manageable, avoid unnecessary new credit, and talk with your lending professional before making a major financed purchase or changing credit accounts during the mortgage process.

Questions to ask yourself: Are all accounts mine? Are balances and limits correct? Are any late payments wrong? Is the same debt listed twice? Are there unfamiliar hard inquiries? Can I make every required payment this month?

Trusted resources

AnnualCreditReport.com myFICO Credit Education FTC Credit Repair FAQs

Educational resource only. Not legal advice, credit repair, a score guarantee, or a guarantee of loan approval or terms.