Keeping track of your credit rating is indispensable.
It will help you identify problem areas and fix them before they get out of hand.
The best way to do this is to get a copy of your credit sheet from some of the bureaus.
You are allowed to request a copy of your report for free once a year.
Always request your report from each of the three main bureaus; Equifax, Trans Union and Experian  The reason for getting a report from all three is because there may be differing, or additional information on one company's report that does not show on another.
  It is relatively easy to get your FICO score up, and can be done by following a few basic steps.
  Keep up to date   If you have missed any of your payments, it is very important you start to pay what you owe and bring your account up to date.
Once you are up to date, make sure you keep paying on time.
The more you pay on time, the more your FICO score should increase.
  Be Responsible  Be responsible with your credit cards and manage them wisely.
Keep your balances well below the credit limit, and pay on time.
Make a budget for yourself and resist the urge to spend until the credit limit.
If you are unable to make ends meet, and feel you may miss a payment, contact your creditor.
Over time your FICO score will improve with the correct management of your credit cards.
Credit Cards  Try to keep your credit card balances as low as possible.
Outstanding credit card debt shows up negatively, and may affect your FICO score.
Avoid opening up new credit accounts to paint a better picture.
It may actually lower your score rather than raise it.
  Avoid closing unused credit cards, it is not a viable short term strategy and may backfire by lowering your FICO score.
  Pay off any credit card debt and don't try to move it from one credit card to another.
Paying and lowering your total revolving credit card debt is the most effective way to increase your FICO score.