Check out any incorrect payments, credit limits, or collection data that you strongly feel is not yours. It's a fact that some typing errors or numerical glitches often show up on some credit reports; therefoe you need to get a copy of your credit report at least once a year. Pay Your Obligations On Time Always make sure that you pay off all types of debt or bills on time. While filing for bankruptcy may help an individual get a fresh start, it also has its share of long-term negative effects, especially on their credit score. Here's how bankruptcy can hurt your credit score. Why Bankruptcy Is A Tough Thing To Handle Bankruptcy brings more than sleepless nights and bad dreams for the individual. Make Sure Each Report Is Not Past The 7-Year Limit Once you get a copy of your credit report from the major credit agencies, compare each of the reports, and ensure that these are not past the seven year limit for reporting of any errors or negative information. Also determine if the status and delinquency dates are not incorrectly noted. Because your credit report greatly influences how you re able to get a home mortgage or get a job, you need to protect your credit rating, by making all your bill and loan payments on time regularly. The Five Basic Credit Card Elements There are five basic elements which are taken into account when determining a person s credit score. Get A Secured Credit Card Once your bankruptcy has already been discharged, slowly build back your credit, by getting a secured or prepaid credit card. A prepaid credit card can act like a debit card, where you put in cash, and you draw against it, and you reload the card again. Always make it a habit to not use more than 40 percent of your credit limit on any revolving loan. You ll also be able to immediately notice if ever there are any inconsistencies, inaccuracies or flaws within your report. By immediately finding out any numerical or typographical errors, this allows you to quickly file disputes to correct any inaccuracies. Aside from alerting you of any fraudulent activity or inconsistencies, a credit monitoring service can also help you effectively manage your credit.