Get a credit card with a high limit, keep the balance low and use the credit card to establish a credit history or boost a low credit score. Remember — the more available credit on a credit card, the better.

A credit freeze occurs when you notify a credit bureau not to release your credit history without your consent. This is an effective way to combat identity theft since a potential identity thief will not be able to see your credit history even if he has your personal identifying information.

If you don’t have an established credit history, or if you do have an established credit history but it has some dings, you may need a co-signer to get approved for a loan or credit card. By co-signing a credit application, the co-signer is agreeing to assume responsibility for the debt should you, the primary borrower, default on your agreement to pay the debt.

Sometimes, people make bad decisions and they end up losing their house, car and credit cards that ruin their credit history.

If your credit history isn’t all that long or spotless, adding a credit account with a long, positive credit history to your report will certainly boost your score but how do you all of a sudden add an old account to your credit report?