How to Raise Your Credit Score

[Mixmastamurph]

So I have two things sitting in collections. Will paying these off immediately raise my credit score?

[NCperson]

it wouldn't hurt.

Understand that the credit score is an assessment of your willingness and ability to make timely payments on your debts.

Paying current the items in collections certainly displays 'willingness' to pay your debts, but doesn't show ability to make them timely - that is the challenge.