When it comes to improving credit or maintaining it, there are all sorts of myths that make their way down the grapevine. Some favorites include, "Don't check your credit score!" "Don't get a mortgage!" and "Open multiple credit accounts to build good credit!" If you've bought into these tips, here are three surefire ways to improve your credit that might surprise you.

Don't apply for unnecessary credit accounts

The common belief that opening multiple credit accounts will build credit is not entirely accurate. Although it does raise your available credit, this strategy often backfires, leaving you with a far worse credit score. An effective way to use credit accounts to build credit is to have one or two open accounts that are carefully maintained and paid off in a timely manner.

Get a mortgage and pay it back on time

The claim that a mortgage decreases your credit score is only half true. Initially after getting the mortgage, there may be a dip in credit due to the hard credit inquiries that are often necessary. However, over time and with responsible, on-time payments, credit scores tend to steadily and significantly increase with a mortgage. Although some may be hesitant to apply for a mortgage because of their current credit score, it's important to keep in mind that in many instances, especially with wholesale mortgages, less desirable credit does not necessarily mean an automatic application denial. Since mortgages are considered "good debt," paying them off responsibly can be very beneficial to one's credit score.

Check your credit score

It is a widespread belief that checking your credit score can actually lower it. Here it's important to note the difference between a hard credit check and a soft credit check. Hard credit inquiries are when a financial institution such as a bank or lender do a thorough investigation of your credit, often to determine whether or not to accept an application such as for credit cards or mortgages. These hard credit checks do affect your credit score, although not always permanently.

A soft credit inquiry, on the other hand, should not harm your credit at all. When you check your credit through a legitimate credit agency or website, it shouldn't hurt your credit at all. What could harm you far more, however, would be refraining from checking your score. It's important to make sure that everything is up to date and no errors have been made. When you quickly correct any mistakes that may have popped up, you show responsibility and initiative.

Only using credit when necessary, getting and steadily paying off good debt, and checking your credit score often are three reliable ways to improve your credit, or to maintain it at healthy levels. Contact a bad credit wholesale lender for more help.