Do your rate shopping for a given loan within a focused period of time.

The score from each credit reporting agency considers only the data in your credit report at that agency.

Credit plays a critical part in nearly everyone's life, but understanding what credit is and how it works can be a challenge.

Be aware that paying off a collection account will not remove it from your credit report. It will stay on your report for seven years.

If you have missed payments, get current and stay current. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score.

Don't close unused credit cards as a short-term strategy to raise your score.

Keep balances low on credit cards and other "revolving credit". High outstanding debt can affect a score.

Be aware that paying off a collection account will not remove it from your credit report. It will stay on your report for seven years.

Pay your bills on time. Delinquent payments and collections can have a major negative impact on your score.

On average, today's consumer has a total of 11 credit obligations on record at the credit bureau.