Much of the modern world functions on the basis of credit, with a good consumer credit score ensuring access to many opportunities in the business world. Getting a credit score, whether you are a business owner or a curious consumer, is often not difficult but can take a bit of ingenuity. Knowing how to access the three major consumer credit card rating companies is a skill no business owner or consumer should be without.

In addition to knowing your consumer credit rating, it is important to maintain a good consumer credit score which requires some work on your part. Learning how to dispute questionable consumer credit rates and quotes and looking into your own credit report for possible mistakes is important to help you improve your consumer credit score. When all else fails, calling on the services of a reputable and certified consumer credit counseling service is a good option. When looking into your credit record, you should:

1. Get all three major consumer credit scores from one source.

2. Dispute consumer credit score claims and lower interest rates on current accounts

3. Stay updated on consumer credit score rating scams and false leads.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Gain access to your credit scores from the three major consumer credit rating agencies

Consumer credit rates and quotes are based on three major credit reporting agencies -- Experian, Transunion and Equifax. Companies generally check at least one of these three major credit reporting agencies to establish creditworthiness of customers prior to extending credit. Getting all three scores at once is a great way to save money and get a full spectrum of a particular consumer credit card rate, or creditworthiness for an automobile or home loan, or any type of loan or line of credit for that matter.

I recommend: Equifax offers all three reports for a free trial and optional FICO score management for an extra fee. Identity Guard is another service offering all three major credit reports for a fee.

Dispute consumer credit ratings claims and discuss interest rates with creditors

Many times when people gain access to their credit scores, there are various items that need to be disputed. There is a definite process by which this is done that those serious about fixing credit problems should understand. In addition, interest rates on credit accounts can often be talked down if you know exactly who to contact for your particular credit needs. Tending to these matters will really help to improve consumer credit score.

I recommend: The Federal Trade Commission offers information on disputing an item on a credit report. For Transunion-specific disputes,their website has three options for making contact for those interested in discussing a questionable item on the credit report. To dispute Experian claims, visit their dispute website.

Discuss consumer credit score repair with an agent who deals with the consumer and the creditors

Your consumer credit rating is only as good as the accounts that you have open. Maintaining a healthy account can be hard for some, especially during periods of economic hardship. Finding a good credit counseling service can do wonders to help you reform your current credit situation and help you achieve the elusive good consumer credit score.

I recommend: Consumer Credit Counseling Services is a nonprofit organization that will offer some credit advice free of charge to those in need of tips to help raise their raise consumer credit score. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling is an accrediting and governing organization. Their website also has a searchable database of credit counselors for your review.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Beware of credit reporting scams and do a thorough search for current Internet scams. Note that many services promise three credit reports but only provide two.
• •  Consider obtaining a low rate consumer credit card if your credit score will allow you to do so. You can then transfer balances from your higher rate cards to the lower rate card. Then make sure to cut up the higher rate card and even close the account so you won't be tempted to use it again.