 TITLE: How to Get the Best Personal Loan for You CONTENT: What to Do if Your Credit Needs a Boost\n---------------------------------------\nAnyone can raise their credit score if they have enough time. But since time may be in short supply, here are a few steps you can take if your credit needs a boost to help you qualify for a more attractive loan now. While it's unlikely you can parlay a \"fair\" score into an \"exceptional\" one in short order, you might be able to add enough critical points to nudge you into a better loan.\n1.  Study your credit report. Disputing an inaccuracy on your credit report, such as a misreported late payment, might raise your score. Also check for any negative items that are about to \"fall off\" your report. For example, an auto repossession stays on your credit report for seven years after your original delinquency date. If you're a month shy of that seven-year mark, you might consider holding off until that item is cleared and your scores recover.\n2.  Do some basic housekeeping. Depending on your circumstances, paying down debt or paying off some of your cards may improve your credit score. Read up on more quick tips for raising your credit score.\n3.  Get a cosigner. Asking a friend or family member to cosign a loan is serious business. If you default, they are on the hook for your outstanding debt. But adding a creditworthy cosigner can give your application a lift.\n4.  Try Experian Boost™† . By factoring your on-time phone and utility payments into your FICO® Score, you could see a significant score increase.\n5.  Find a lender that uses alternative data. Some lenders use different criteria to make a loan decision, including Upstart. A lender will still want to see evidence that you have the income and assets to repay your loan—and they'll offer a rate and terms based on this assessment. END