boosting your credit score doesn’t have to feel impossible.
Improving your credit score can seem overwhelming, especially when it feels like one small mistake can haunt you for years. But building a strong credit profile doesn’t have to be a mystery. By focusing on a few simple habits, you can boost your score faster than you might expect.
A good credit score isn’t just about bragging rights; it opens doors to better loan rates, credit card perks, and even job opportunities. If you’ve been wondering how to push your score into the 750+ club, these 10 rules can help you get there without overcomplicating the process.
1. Paying your bills on time is non-negotiable.
As stated by Ben Luthi at Experian, when it comes to credit scores, payment history is king. It’s often the most important factor lenders look at. Lenders want to see that you’re reliable, and missing even one payment can send your score tumbling. Prioritizing on-time payments is one of the fastest ways to build trust with creditors.
Setting up automatic payments or calendar reminders can help you avoid slipping up. Even if you can only make the minimum payment, staying consistent shows that you’re responsible. Over time, this consistency can make a big difference.
2. Keeping your credit utilization low can boost your score.
Credit utilization—the percentage of your available credit that you’re using—plays a big role in your score. Using too much of your available credit can make you look overextended, which can drag down your score.
According to Alexandria White at CNBC, aiming to keep your utilization below 30% is a good rule of thumb, but lower is even better. Paying down balances or requesting a credit limit increase can help improve this ratio. Small adjustments can add up to big gains.
3. Checking your credit report regularly can catch errors.
Mistakes on your credit report aren’t as rare as you’d think. Errors or fraudulent activity can hurt your score without you even realizing it. Checking your report regularly gives you a chance to spot and dispute inaccuracies. Finding and correcting errors is an important step you can take, as reported by Katherine Fan at Lending Tree.
You can get free copies of your credit report weekly from the major credit bureaus through AnnualCreditReport.com. If you see something that doesn’t look right, addressing it quickly can prevent long-term damage. Staying informed helps you stay in control.
4. Having a mix of credit types can show you’re well-rounded.
Lenders like to see that you can handle different types of credit responsibly. A mix of credit cards, installment loans, and other accounts can help show you’re a well-rounded borrower.
You don’t need to take out loans just for the sake of diversity, but having a healthy mix can work in your favor. Over time, this balance reflects positively on your credit report.
5. Keeping old accounts open can help your credit age.
The length of your credit history matters. Closing old accounts might seem like a good way to simplify things, but it can actually shorten your credit history and hurt your score.
If the account doesn’t have an annual fee and you’re not struggling with overspending, keeping it open can help maintain a longer average account age. Patience pays off when it comes to building credit.
6. Applying for credit sparingly can protect your score.
Every time you apply for credit, it results in a hard inquiry on your report. Too many inquiries in a short period can make you look desperate for credit, which might worry lenders.
Spacing out your applications and only applying when necessary can help protect your score. When you’re strategic about when and where you apply, it shows lenders that you’re in control.
7. Becoming an authorized user can boost your score.
If you have a friend or family member with good credit, becoming an authorized user on their account can give your score a boost. As long as they use the account responsibly, their positive history can reflect on your report.
This strategy isn’t a magic fix, but it can help if you’re just starting out or trying to rebuild. Just make sure it’s someone you trust and who manages their credit well.
8. Settling old debts can stop the bleeding.
Unpaid collections or old debts can weigh down your score, but settling them can stop the ongoing damage. While paying off collections won’t immediately erase them, it can look better to lenders than leaving them unpaid.
Negotiating a settlement or working out a payment plan shows that you’re making an effort to resolve past issues. Taking responsibility for old debts can help you move forward.
9. Increasing your credit limits can improve utilization.
A higher credit limit can lower your utilization ratio, even if your spending stays the same. If you’ve been a responsible cardholder, asking for a credit limit increase could give your score a boost.
Just be careful not to let the extra credit tempt you into overspending. The goal is to improve your ratio, not rack up more debt.
10. Patience and consistency are key to lasting results.
Improving your credit score doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, consistency, and smart habits. The good news is that small, positive actions can compound over time.
Focusing on steady progress instead of quick fixes helps build a score that lasts. When you stay patient and consistent, the results will follow.