Here’s how consumers can raise their numbers

To boost your credit score:

1. Pay your credit account payments on time. If you are late, get current and stay current. The longer you pay on time, the better your score.

2. Contact your credit account providers if there are late payments indicated on your credit report. Put the account in dispute and ask to have late payments removed.

3. Pay down balances on revolving credit accounts and credit cards and don’t use them for a few months. This will lower your amounts owed relative to credit limits.

4. Avoid opening new accounts, particularly if you have been using credit for a relatively short period of time.

5. Chat boards and Web sites are filled with tricks and gimmicks you can try to improve your credit score.

My advice: Because of the way the FICO score is calculated, what works for one person will not necessarily work for others.

6. It’s counterintuitive, but closing unused credit accounts may actually lower your score. This is particularly applicable when the account you close has been established for a long time.

Individuals who are serious about improving their FICO score should use the FICO score simulator on myFICO.com to determine how various actions can affect their FICO score.