Good credit will help you qualify for loans, a mortgage, and credit cards. A good credit score can significantly lower what you pay in interest, and it will affect your insurance premiums. In addition, some employers will pull your credit report before they offer you a position, so bad credit can affect you in many different ways.  It will take discipline, time, and hard work to boost your FICO score, but it is worth it. Here are several ways that you can boost your credit score.

Get a copy of your credit report
You should request a copy of your credit report once a year. Review your credit report carefully, and check for errors. Mistakes do happen sometimes, so make sure the information on your report is accurate. If you find a mistake, you can dispute it. You don't want your credit to be affected because of a mistake. You can request a free copy of your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.

Pay your bills on time
Your payment history affects 35 percent of your credit score. Delinquencies will stay on your report for seven years, and they can do alot of damage to your credit. Pay your bills on time, and you will improve your credit gradually.

Pay some debt off
The debt that you owe will affect your credit rating. Lenders can deny you for credit if your balances are too high. Pay the balances on your credit cards and loans, and your credit will improve over time. It would be a good idea to start with the credit cards that have higher interest rates. Consider selling some assets or trading your car in for a cheaper model, and apply the extra money to your credit card debt. Get an extra job if you need to.

Don't use your credit cards
Pay in cash for all your purchases. Close some credit card accounts if it will stop you from using them. Don't apply for a new credit card until the balances have been paid.

Avoid filing for bankruptcy
A bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for a very long time. You will not qualify for a loan or mortgage if you have a bankruptcy on file. Try to avoid letting accounts go into collections too, because it will do alot of damage to your credit rating.

Open a checking or savings account
You can improve your credit by putting money into an account. Lenders will look at your assets when you apply for credit. You will appear to be more financially stable if you keep a high balance in your account.

It takes hard work to boost a credit score and fix the mistakes you have made in the past. Be responsible with your bills, and you should see an improvement. If you work hard at it, you should notice a difference in about 30 days. Good luck!