(7)  If you charge a lot to get points, showing a lot compared to your credit limit, which is a negative.  Lenders can’t sort out when you actually zero-out your balances each month.  (8)  Maintain a variety of credit types, such as auto loan, student loan & credit-card bills, shows you can juggle different types of credit and add 10% to your credit score.  (9)  Get a personal loan to pay off your credit-card debt.  Also interest usually lower.  (10)  Pay off debt in collections.  (11)  Get a secured credit card after a bankruptcy.  A bankruptcy will have less impact on your score over times as long as you do not default on new loans.  Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcies stay on your credit report of 10 years.  GET YOUR CREDIT STRAIGHTENED OUT!