As we pointed out in a previous success story, three of the most detrimental elements that can cause a 526 credit score are late payments, collections, and charge offs. Richard H. had all of them on his credit report when he hopped on the CredEvolv platform.
The certified, nonprofit credit counselor he connected with through CredEvolv was able to remove late payments, a collection, and a charge-off from Richard’s credit report. This raised his 526 credit score to 595 in just 4 months!
You probably know or can figure out what late payments are. Here’s a refresher about the other two and how they can contribute to a 526 credit score:
What are collections and charge-offs on a credit report?
- A collections account happens if you fall behind on your loan payments. The lender or creditor can choose to transfer your account to a collection agency. They can also decide to sell it to a debt buyer. This can occur anytime from the date you begin missing payments or not paying the full minimum payment to a few months after you become delinquent. Lenders and creditors will usually send you letters or call you regarding the debt before they send it to a collection agency.
- A charge-off happens when the creditor doesn’t think you will repay the debt. If a collections agency has purchased the debt, it may attempt to collect what you owe. The amount can include the outstanding balance and any interest that has accrued. This can happen even if the creditor has written off the debt and has stopped attempting to collect it themselves.
Next on the list: addressing another collection and pushing Richard’s former 526 credit score into the 600s!
“Should I try to improve my 526 credit score myself?”
The partnership between our clients and the credit counselors we connect them with is powerful. That’s why we recommend avoiding the DIY approach to credit repair. Numerous pitfalls can derail your efforts to clean up your own credit history.
Fixing your 526 credit score isn’t an impossible task, but it’s one that benefits from professional guidance. Specifically, the reputable, expert credit counselors on our platform. Here’s why:
- They have the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of credit improvement.
- Their goal is to help you, not keep you stuck in a program longer than necessary.
- They’re dedicated to your success, not making a profit off your challenges.
CredEvolv’s counselor partners are here to equip you with the skills and strategies needed to build strong financial habits. This knowledge will help you during the program and, most importantly, long after you’ve reached the credit score you deserve.
Read more credit success stories here!