• With good credit, you will find it easier to get financing to buy furniture, a computer, car, or even a new home.
• Renting an apartment may be easier. A good credit rating tells landlords that you are a person who's more likely to pay the rent on time.
• Employers often check the credit rating of prospective employees. A solid credit rating reflects positively on your ability to manage your job responsibly.
• You may be eligible to receive loans for education.
• If you need access to large sums of money, banks may look more favorably upon giving you the loan you need.
• Strong credit references can open a world of financial opportunity. Someday you might want to use credit to finance a business.

What you can do
Good credit will follow if you’re smart about managing your money. By taking these simple steps, you can stay on top of your finances and maintain good credit for when you need it.

• Stick to a budget. There's no better way to keep out of debt than by tracking your spending and sticking to a budget. A budget can help you control your finances, decrease your debt, and build a strong credit history.
• Keep track of your spending. Keep track of the checks you've written and track what you owe. Review your monthly statement when it arrives, check for any possible discrepancies and be sure to report them immediately.
• Pay what you owe on time. Pay at least your "Total Minimum Due" by the "mail by" date on your monthly statement to keep your account in good standing. Don't skip any payments and try to pay more than the minimum or even the whole balance each month.
• Don’t exceed your credit limit. Your "Available Credit" is how much credit you have left (your Credit Limit minus your Outstanding Balance). You should always keep your balance lower than your credit limit. It’s a good idea to keep at least a 15% cushion of Available Credit in your account in case of emergency.
• Use available resources. Contact the NFCC (National Foundation for Consumer Credit) for additional suggestions on maintaining good credit.

Your credit report
The NFCC suggests you check your credit history at least once a year. It’s easy to order your credit report from www.creditreport.com. Checking your credit history is also a great way to make sure any accounts you closed are really closed.

Your credit report contains personal and employment information, payment history, and any bankruptcies, lawsuits, or liens. It also provides details of any inquiries made about your credit rating (e.g., by a potential landlord). Most credit information remains on file for seven years.

When you get your report, if you see anything wrong, call the credit bureau immediately for more information.