There are many ways you may inadvertently lower your credit score

One way is renting a car with a debit card. Paying for a car rental with a debit card can actually HURT your credit rating. The reason is that most rental contracts give the rental car company the right to check your credit rating if you use a debit card instead of a credit card. Each time someone checks your credit rating, it’s a negative – just like if you are seeking a loan.

Here are other innocent actions you may take that may also damage your credit score:

- Closing a Credit Card with a Zero Balance

- Having a Credit Card Company Not Report Your Credit Limits

- Paying off an old debt or an account in collection

- Having multiple names listed in your credit reports