5 Tips To Improve Your Credit Score Over Time

5 Tips to Improve Your Credit Score Over Time

Let’s be real: credit scores can be confusing, frustrating, and even discouraging — especially if you’re just starting out or trying to bounce back.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need a perfect score, just a strong one — and getting there is totally doable. It just takes a little time, a few smart habits, and a whole lot of consistency.

Here are five easy ways to start improving your credit score — starting today.

1. Pay On Time, Every Time

This one’s huge — your payment history makes up 35% of your credit score.

Even one missed or late payment can leave a mark. That’s why setting up autopay, reminders, or calendar alerts can make a world of difference.

✅ Tip: If you ever fall behind, try to catch up quickly. A 30-day late payment hurts more than a 5-day delay.

2. Keep Your Balances Low

Just because you can use your full credit limit doesn’t mean you should. In fact, using too much of your available credit — even if you pay it off — can lower your score.

Try to keep your usage under 30% of your total limit, and ideally closer to 10% for the best results.

💡 Example: If your credit card limit is $1,000, try to keep your balance under $300.

3. Don’t Apply for Too Much Credit at Once

Every time you apply for a new credit card or loan, it triggers a “hard inquiry” on your report. A couple of these are fine — but too many in a short time can make lenders nervous.

Stick to opening new accounts only when you really need them, and space them out if you can.

4. Review Your Credit Reports for Mistakes

Surprise: about 1 in 5 people have an error on their credit report — and some can cost you points.

You’re entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus every year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for:

• Wrong account balances
• Accounts you don’t recognize
• Late payments you know were on time

If you find an error, you have the right to dispute it.

5. Keep Old Credit Accounts Open (If You Can)

The longer your credit history, the better. That’s why older accounts can help your score — even if you don’t use them much.

Closing a credit card can also hurt your credit utilization by lowering your total available credit.

🧠 Strategy: Keep old accounts open with no fees, and use them occasionally for small purchases you can pay off monthly.

Bonus: We’re Here for You

Whether you’re building credit for the first time or bouncing back after a rough patch, we’ve got tools to help:

• 🏗️ Credit-building loans
• 💳 Secured credit cards
• 🤝 Personalized guidance from our friendly team

Let us help you take the guesswork out of growing your score.

Good Credit Takes Time — But You’ve Got This

Improving your credit score isn’t about doing everything perfectly — it’s about showing up consistently, making smart choices, and asking for help when you need it.

We’re proud to walk this journey with you.

👉 Explore Credit-Building Tools

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