Conventional wisdom says that if you want to raise your credit score, you need to focus on disputing all the negative items on your credit report to have them removed. But many are unaware that the opposite is also true. It's possible to increase your credit score by adding positive information to your credit file that has been omitted. Asking that information that positively reflects on your creditworthiness be added to your report can help build your credit score as well.

Consider having the following three kinds of data added to your report if they would help your score.

Explanation of Disputed or Incomplete Facts

Credit reporting agencies are required to include an explanatory statement in your credit report if you dispute the accuracy or completeness of a particular item. Your statement should be well thought out and brief. Simply not being able to pay is not a legitimate excuse, but if you have other extenuating circumstances, they can add value. You might have to pay a fee to have your statement included with your file, but then you can request it be sent out with future reports, as well to update ones sent out previously - up to six months prior or two years if it was for employment purposes.

Omission of Positive Histories

Accounts that you might expect to find on your credit report are often omitted. For example, mortgage and auto loan information are frequently omitted. Local banks and credit unions often don't report either. Positive information from these sources can benefit your credit score and you should ask that such data be added to your account. While the agencies aren't required to add this data they often do, but you might be charged a fee.

Alternatively, you could ask your creditor to directly report positive credit information to the credit bureaus. This is worth a try even though some creditors routinely only report to certain credit agencies or not at all, and won't deviate from their standard procedure.

Confirmation of Stability

Any evidence you can add to your credit report that indicates your stability will further help your cause. Such information might include data related to employment and/or your residence. If you can show longevity in either of those areas and it's not reflected on your credit report, have that changed. Also, update any missing or inaccurate social security, phone, or birth date information while you're at it to avoid potential account mistakes.

You never know which credit bureau a potential lender will use to gather your credit information from. To ensure your information is correct across all three national credit bureaus, you will want to make sure you update your information with all of them.

You're entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three credit reporting agencies. Exercise that right once you're done with your updates to ensure the changes you've requested have been added. Check once again for any outdated or inaccurate data. Going forward, continue to do a credit check annually and fix any mistakes and add positive items. Regularly checking your credit report can both limit your exposure to identity theft, as well as help you maintain the highest credit score you can. Even though it takes time, you can effectively add positive information to your credit report to build a better credit score.