Improving Experian score

[CatKlaw]

Hey everybody, how goes it? At the age of 17 I decided I am going to build a good credit history because I have seen first hand what having a bad credit history can do. I just checked my credit reports and have great scores in EquiFax(726) and Transunion(655) but my Experian score is low at 601. How can i improve it? I have a secured credit card which is what put my credit score in Equifax and Transunion as high as it is, but it doesn't count for Experian.

I do have one credit delinquency from two years ago, it only shows on Experian. I'm 19 years old to date, and I was 17 years old when I got the delinquency. It was from my homeschool that my parents forgot to pay and they put it on my account as well as my moms, and it was paid off in full a month later. I disputed because I was under age, and was told it would be taken off in 2014.

That's really the only mark I have on the Experian credit score. I have no good marks on it like the other reports, so to speak. I am looking to improve it though and I hope you guys can help me out here. I'm thinking of finding another credit card company that goes through Experian and opening another secured card(I applied for a unsecured the other night and got turned down), I think if I got a secured credit card that uses Experian it would do wonders for it. Anyone know of any companies that use Experian or all 3 CRAs?

That's really all I can think of to do that would raise that score, aside from that I have a great credit history though. Any suggestions on what I can do to raise that 601 Experian score to a decent number? Any help at all will be greatly appreciated.

CatKlaw

[CatKlaw]

This thread is still pretty young but i'm gonna give it a bump. Anyone know anything?

[zyal8trr]

Two reasons why your Experian score is low:

1. That delinquency really hurt you. Even it was only one late payment, it's unfortunately detrimental to your credit score.
2. You secured card may not report to Experian to help boost your credit score. Still a 601 isn't really that bad considering your history and present day.

I would apply for a secured card that reports to all 3 credit bureaus like you mentioned. The only caviat is there is usually a monthy fee assessed, that's how they make their money. Check out the Platinum Secured Visa Card from Applied Bank.

Hope this helps.