Which action would a client take to improve their credit score?

Paying delinquent accounts is a fundamental step in improving a credit score. Delinquent accounts, which are accounts that have missed payments, can have a significant negative impact on credit ratings. By bringing these accounts up to date, clients can demonstrate their reliability to future lenders and credit reporting agencies. This action shows a willingness to fulfill financial obligations, which is crucial in the overall assessment of creditworthiness.

When delinquent accounts are paid, it not only helps improve the payment history portion of the credit score (which is a major factor in most scoring models) but also reduces the amount of debt considered overdue. As a result, it can lead to a more favorable view from potential creditors, making it easier to access loans or credit in the future.

In contrast, the other actions—closing unused credit accounts, opening new credit lines, or ignoring low balances—may not have the same positive effect on a credit score and could potentially lead to negative consequences. Closing unused accounts can reduce the total available credit and could negatively affect the credit utilization ratio. Opening new credit lines might lead to hard inquiries, which can temporarily lower a score. Ignoring low balances can also result in missed payments if not monitored, further damaging the score. Therefore, focusing on paying down