Do you check your credit file often? Do you really know what your current credit history looks like to a potential lender? Is it time to make some changes and repair your credit history? Any time there’s a flaw on your credit file that you can fix, you should do it. How do you know what needs fixing though?

Here are some hints that you might need to repair your credit history before applying for another credit card or loan:

1. You have a delinquent account.

Any account that’s 60 days past due can show up on your credit history. You probably already know if you have a delinquent account with a creditor. You don’t need to be told or check your credit file to find that out.

If you’re late on one of your bills, get it taken care of as quickly as possible. Even if it means living on a tighter budget temporarily, the history of not paying the bills on time is something that can stay on your credit file for years. It’s not worth it.

2. You were recently turned down for a credit card or loan.

One of the most obvious consequences of a poor credit history is being turned down when you apply for credit. If your recent credit card application was rejected, check your credit file and find out why.

Chances are very good that it’s a sign you need to address problems with your credit history. That said, a credit denial might also be because you don’t meet income requirements for approval. Always check those income requirements before applying for credit and you won’t run into that issue.

3. You haven’t looked at your credit file in years.

Sometimes repairing your credit history isn’t about “repairing” it at all — it’s simply about improving it. If you haven’t looked at your credit file in a while, request a copy and review it carefully. What can you do to make yourself seem like less of a risk to lenders in the future?

Maybe you’ll find an old account you need to pay off or close. Perhaps you’ll find outdated personal information that you should update, or that your employment information is out of date and not reflecting the higher paying position you have currently.

Your credit history stays with you for a long time. Do you know what kind of story it tells about you? Did you know that it’s within your power to make that story even better? Take some time to review your credit file and make a list — write down everything that needs to be improved there, including what you can do to make that happen. The sooner you repair your credit history, the sooner you can stop worrying about whether or not you’ll be approved when you apply for new credit.