So you think that it’s only lenders that check your credit scores? Well, think again. Your credit reports are likely to be checked when you apply for car insurance, rent a house or apartment, get a cell phone, or even when you try to get a job.

Having a good credit score is more important today than it has ever been. A good credit score can save you literally thousands of dollars in costs and interest over the course of your lifetime. Just ordering car insurance, for example, can cost you as much as 143% more in premium payments over someone with a good credit score.

Others rely on your credit reports as well. They use it as an indicator of how well you handle  your finances and your responsibilities. There is a very good chance that your credit report may be pulled anytime you fill out a rental application. Also, when you try to buy or upgrade a cell phone. You can probably get either, but expect to pay a heavy deposit if your credit scores are less than stellar.

Even employers are starting to rely on credit histories in the application process, as a measurement of how reliable a prospective employee will be. The same is true if you are being considered for advancement at your current employer.

Regardless of what your credit scores look like today, there is no time like the present to begin working on improving them. The good news is… lenders put the most weight on your current scores, and how you are handling your credit responsibilities now. So no matter how bad your scores are today… there is no where to go but up.

Lenders, and others that check your scores, are interested in the likelihood that you will be a responsible citizen in the handling of your debts and responsibilities. Your credit scores are one measure they use to determine that.

Your scores are compiled by Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO), according to different weights they assign to different aspects of how you handle credit. I.E., how much debt you carry in relation to your income, how timely you pay your bills, the ratio of the credit you use compared to the credit you have available to use, how long you have managed credit, the different types of credit you have had (credit cards, car loans, home loans, etc), and how often and how much new credit you apply for.

The best score possible is 850 points, which probably no one ever achieves. A score of 800 would be exceptionally good, and probably the most anyone could ever hope for. Realistically, most people fall in the 700 to 725 range, which used to be considered excellent, and would qualify you for the best interest rates. However, in today’s troubled times; a score of 750 would more likely be required to get the best interest rate and terms.

If your scores are around 650 or lower, expect to pay a much higher interest rate. If they are below 600, you may have trouble getting any kind of loan, except from a “predatory lender” that deals in sub-prime lending. But be forewarned… you won’t like the interest rate you’ll have to pay to get one of those loans.

If your credit scores are less than acceptable, and you are ready to take steps to improve them, rest assured that you can raise your scores quicker than you might have thought. The best advice I can give you is to use the tips, guidance, and wisdom of someone who knows how the credit system works, and what you can do to raise your scores fast.

A couple of years ago my credit stunk, really bad. A business associate recommended that I purchase a self-help credit repair manual written by Terry Price. Terry has been described as being the foremost authority on credit repair, that can be found anywhere on the internet. Following his tips and suggestions, I was able to raise my scores from 520 to 719 in 90 days. It was easy to do and it worked great for me. The cost was low and the results were fast and amazing.

You can learn more about Terry’s approach to improving your credit scores here. Check it out! You may be glad you did.