Taking control of your credit and increasing your credit scores is a powerful financial move. Here’s a do-it-yourself guide to boost your credit scores by over 200 points:

1. Get Your Credit Reports:
   • Obtain free copies of your credit reports from each major credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) through http://AnnualCreditReport.com . Review these reports to identify areas for improvement.
2. Send Out Dispute Letters:
   • Identify inaccuracies or discrepancies on your credit reports and dispute them with the credit bureaus. Send clear and concise dispute letters to address errors and improve the accuracy of your reports.
3. Remove Inquiries:
   • If you have unnecessary or inaccurate inquiries on your credit reports, work on having them removed. Inquiries can impact your credit score, so ensure that only relevant ones remain.
4. Ensure 4 Credit Cards Reporting:
   • Confirm that you have at least four active credit card accounts reporting on your credit reports. Having a mix of credit types, including credit cards, positively influences your credit score.
5. Ensure 2 Installment Accounts Reporting:
   • Diversify your credit mix by having two active installment accounts, such as a car loan or a personal loan. A diverse credit portfolio can contribute to a higher credit score.
6. Put Credit Cards on Autopay:
   • Set up automatic payments for your credit cards to ensure that you never miss a payment. Consistent, on-time payments are crucial for building and maintaining good credit.
7. Pay Your Statement Balance by Due Date:
   • Pay the statement balance of your credit cards by the due date each month. This practice helps you avoid interest charges and demonstrates responsible credit management.
8. Keep Utilization Under 30%:
   • Aim to keep your credit card utilization below 30%. This means using only a portion of your available credit. Low utilization is viewed positively by credit scoring models.

By implementing these do-it-yourself strategies, you can take proactive steps to improve your credit scores. Consistency and responsible financial habits are key to achieving long-term success in building and maintaining good credit. Keep monitoring your credit reports regularly to track your progress and address any new issues that may arise.