A Simple, Inexpensive Way To Boost Credit Scores

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesotans apparently know how to tap their plastic. The average household carries about $8,500 in credit card debt and that's important because credit scores determine who gets loans and who gets the best rates.

So, what if you could improve your score by 20, 40, and maybe even 100 points in a matter of days? A little-known service is doing just that.

We're bombarded with the message on TV that having good credit is literally money in the bank.

Laura Burger is touring a townhome in Burnsville's Summit Shores. She knows the value of a good credit score to get a loan at a good rate.

"By all means, absolutely if it means getting a better deal, yes," she said.

But what most buyers don't know is there's a simple, inexpensive way to boost their credit score.

"It's not uncommon to see a 20 to 40 point difference," said Mortgage broker, Steve Rice.

Rice is among those offering what's called "Rapid Credit Re-score" to his customers.

The service starts by analyzing their credit report, then offers several "what-if" scenarios. Things like paying down a debt, raising a credit limit or correcting a deficiency in their record.

"And it will tell us how that's going to change their credit score, either positively or negatively," said Rice.

One of Rice's credit customers needed just a one-point improvement to qualify for the best rate. This option was both inexpensive and fast.

"But all this activity can happen in about a week and we don't have to slow the process down and I can get that borrower a better interest rate," said Rice.

Brokers said the service isn't for everyone, but it can make a huge difference for those on the credit bubble.

The only way to take advantage of the Rapid Credit Re-score service is through a mortgage broker or lender.