7 tips for fixing a credit score before making that big purchase

If you're eyeing a big purchase like a car or a new home, before you sit down and invite a prying eye into your credit, check out your score for yourself. Some tips on what to look for:

1. Check score for errors. You can do it for free on annualcreditreport.com. Lauren Lyons-Cole with thestreet.com said 1 in 5 people have mistakes on their report, which negatively impact their credit. "There could be an account you didn't open or one that is in good standing that is showing up differently," she said.

2. Get current on any delinquencies: Showing that you're not behind on payments can improve your score right away. "Ten points may not sound like much but it's really achievable and can make a big difference," said Lyons-Cole. Because bureaus approve or deny credit based on thresholds, she said, "if you have a 695, that sounds a whole lot worse than 705 even though it's only 10 points."

3. Pay minimums: It's also very important not to miss payments, paying at least the minimum on your accounts will keep your score from falling.

4. Manage available credit: To have fast, positive effects on your score, show you have a healthy chunk of available credit. Managing your credit utilization is a huge impact on your credit score and its a pretty easy thing to do!

6. Do not close old cards: Remember the less credit you are using, the better. For example, if you have $6,000 available to you, you want to only use up $2,000. Agencies like to see you have at least 75 percent available credit to use.

7. Open a new card: To achieve this open a new card, responsibly! It's a quick way to improve your credit utilization.

8. Ask for forgiveness: Lastly, if you see something negative dragging your score down, call the creditor directly and ask for forgiveness. Some will consider a one-time goodwill adjustment, so it doesn't hurt to ask -- or beg!