What seems simple to one person might be completely baffling to another. Sometimes, when it comes to credit, a little knowledge is all it takes to send a person’s 489 credit score in the right direction.
Austin M. gained some through CredEvolv. Now he’s moving toward achieving his financial goals.
Austin had a 489 credit score and no idea how to use a credit card. The counselor he connected with on our platform helped him open a new credit card account, showed him how to budget for the card, and stressed the importance of making on-time payments. As several collections came off his credit report, Austin’s score rose to 577 in 7 months, closing in on his mortgage lender’s target score of 620 and his personal goal of 680!
Why are on-time payments so important to improving a 489 credit score?
Your payment history is the single biggest factor in determining your credit score, accounting for about 35% of it. That’s why making on-time payments is non-negotiable if you want to improve your 489 credit score.
- Set reminders for yourself. Use calendar alerts, apps, or automatic payments to ensure you never miss a due date.
- Adopt the mindset that a little is better than nothing. If you’re unable to pay your full balance, at least make the minimum payment. This protects your credit score and helps you avoid late fees. Missing a payment should not be an option.
- Know your due dates. If multiple payments feel overwhelming, contact your lenders to align due dates closer together.
Consistency is key. Every on-time payment builds a positive credit history. Over time, your effort can significantly boost your 489 credit score.
What can and can’t be removed from my credit report?
In a previous Credit Education blog, we discussed an important topic: knowing what can and cannot be legally removed from your credit report. The key to improving your 489 credit score isn’t about wiping away your past. It’s about making sure your report is accurate and taking the right steps to build a stronger financial future.
Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misleading information when it comes to credit repair. Some companies make bold claims that they can erase all negative items from your report. That’s simply not true. In reality, it’s illegal to remove legitimate negative entries from your credit history.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires credit bureaus to maintain accurate, verifiable information. This means that if you’ve missed payments or defaulted on a loan, those records can remain on your report for up to seven years. For bankruptcies, the timeframe can extend to 10 years.
At CredEvolv, we believe in honesty and transparency. Here’s the truth: no company or individual can lawfully delete valid negative information from your credit report. However, our platform connects you with certified, nonprofit credit counselors who can help you challenge inaccurate or outdated items that may be unfairly causing your 489 credit score.
Our expert counseling partners know how to identify reporting errors and unfair practices. By helping you correct mistakes, they ensure your credit report reflects accurate information. That way, you can make real progress toward something better than a 489 credit score like Austin did!
Read more credit success stories here!