MONEY - GIVE YOUR CREDIT A BOOST

When times get tough, your credit profile could take a hit. Here’s how to keep it in shape.

- LISA GERSTNER

IN ADDITION TO ALL OF THE OTHER damage it has caused, the coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on many individuals’ credit scores. If you lost your job because of the crisis, for example, and fell behind on your bills, your score is in danger of a precipitous fall. Need some extra cash until you’re back on your feet? Maxing out your credit cards or applying for several new cards at once could hurt your score, too. // The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which Congress passed last spring, includes some important provisions for borrowers (see below). Even if you’re not facing difficulties now, it’s not a bad idea to brush up on steps you can take to keep your credit in good shape. You’ll be armed with knowledge in case you need access to credit later—and you’ll keep your credit reports in top condition by monitoring them for mistakes or fraud.

CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORTS

Through April 2021, you can get a free credit report online every week from each of the major bureaus—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—at www .annualcreditreport.com. Typically, the free reports are available only once per year, but the bureaus have temporarily increased access in response to the coronavirus crisis.