5 Quick Wins to Boost Your Credit Score
Want to improve your credit score? Here are the moves that actually work.
- Pay on time, every time
This is 35% of your score. Set up autopay for at least the minimum payment on every card. Even if you pay more later, autopay ensures you're never late.
DO THIS: Set up autopay on one card today.
- Lower your credit utilization
This is 30% of your score. "Utilization" means how much of your available credit you're using. Under 30% is good. Under 10% is great.
Example: If your limit is $1,000, try to keep your balance under $300.
DO THIS: Check your current utilization on Credit Karma.
- Don't close old accounts
Length of history matters. That old card you never use? Keep it open. Use it once every few months for something small so it stays active.
DO THIS: If you were thinking about closing a card, don't.
- Check your credit report for errors
Mistakes happen—wrong accounts, incorrect late payments, even fraud. Dispute anything that's wrong.
DO THIS: Go to AnnualCreditReport.com and pull your report. Look for anything you don't recognize.
- Become an authorized user
If someone with good credit adds you as an authorized user on their card, their history can help your score. You don't even need to use the card.
DO THIS: Ask a family member with good credit if they'd add you.
WHAT TO DO TODAY:
- Check your credit score (Credit Karma, free)
- Set up autopay for the minimum on one credit card
- Note your credit utilization percentage
- If it's over 30%, make a plan to pay down one card
