Wallet Hub listed the states with the highest and lowest credit scores and Washington ranked in the top 10 for highest.


Source: WalletHub

Washington State came in at 7th place.

The state with the highest credit score belongs to Minnesota followed by New Hampshire.

The state with the lowest credit score was Mississippi followed by Louisiana.

If your credit is where you don't want it to be and would like to improve your credit score, here are a few things you can do as suggested by the experts.

Check Your Credit Report
You're allowed one free credit check from each credit bureau. Take advantage of it.

Consider new credit applications
Signing up for new cards or loans can cause a drop in your score. Be cautious.

Consider a secured credit card
If you have a secured credit card, it counts as a regular card.

Keep your balance low
They say if you can keep your card below 30% of the limit you'll be doing better than most. Less than 10% to really maximize it.

Keep unused accounts open
can't get lower than zero. Especially if there's no annual fee, just keep it open. Though if there is an annual fee they recommend you close that account as you can use that money for something better.

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