If you’re trying to build or rebuild your credit, you might wonder where to start. The truth is, improving your credit score takes consistency—but a few smart moves can make a big difference.
At CreditVana, we’re all about helping you understand what drives your credit score and how to make it work for you. Here are seven proven strategies to raise your credit score—plus how long each one might take to show results.
1. Always Make On-Time Payments
Credit impact: Payment history makes up 35% of your FICO® Score—it’s the single most important factor. Late or missed payments can stay on your report for up to seven years, but consistent on-time payments will steadily build your score.
What to do:
-
Set up autopay for at least your minimum payments.
-
Use calendar reminders or payment alerts.
-
Consider credit-building tools that count rent, utility, or subscription payments toward your score.
When you’ll see results: Each month of on-time payments helps. Within a few months, you may start to see gradual improvement.
2. Pay Down Credit Card Balances
Credit impact: The amount you owe makes up 30% of your FICO® Score. A major part of that is your credit utilization ratio—how much of your available credit you’re using. Ideally, keep it under 30%, but lower is always better.
What to do:
-
Prioritize paying off high-interest or high-balance cards first.
-
Try the debt snowball (smallest balance first) or avalanche (highest interest first) method.
-
If needed, consider a balance transfer card or debt consolidation loan.
-
Make multiple payments throughout the month to keep balances low.
When you’ll see results: As soon as your lower balances are reported—typically within one to two billing cycles.
3. Keep Old Accounts Open
Credit impact: Length of credit history counts for 15% of your score. Older accounts help show lenders you’re experienced with credit.
What to do:
Don’t close your oldest credit card—even if you don’t use it much. Instead, make a small purchase every few months to keep it active. If it has an annual fee, see if your bank will downgrade it to a no-fee version.
When you’ll see results: Keeping older accounts active helps maintain your long-term average account age, which improves your credit profile over time.
4. Mix It Up With Different Types of Credit
Credit impact: Your credit mix (10% of your score) looks at how well you manage different types of accounts—like credit cards, loans, or car financing.
What to do:
If you only have one type of credit, you might benefit from adding another responsibly. For example, if you’ve only had a credit card, a small personal or credit-builder loan can diversify your profile.
When you’ll see results: Building a balanced credit mix takes time. Focus on managing each account responsibly, and your score will naturally strengthen.
5. Limit New Credit Applications
Credit impact: Every time you apply for new credit, a hard inquiry is added to your report. Too many in a short period can temporarily drop your score.
What to do:
-
Only apply for credit when you really need it.
-
Use prequalification tools that perform a soft credit check first.
-
If you’re rate shopping (for a mortgage, auto, or student loan), do it within a 14–45 day window so inquiries count as one.
When you’ll see results: Hard inquiries impact your score for up to a year but stay on your report for two years.
6. Check and Dispute Credit Report Errors
Credit impact: Incorrect information—like late payments that weren’t yours or fraudulent accounts—can seriously hurt your credit score.
What to do:
-
Review your free credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com.
-
If you find mistakes, dispute them with each bureau online.
-
Keep an eye out for signs of identity theft.
When you’ll see results: Disputes are usually resolved within 30 days, and corrections can lead to a noticeable credit score boost.
7. Become an Authorized User
Credit impact: If you’re just starting out or rebuilding credit, being added as an authorized user on a trusted person’s credit card can quickly improve your score.
What to do:
Ask a family member or close friend with good credit and low balances to add you. Their positive payment history will start appearing on your report—helping you build credit faster.
When you’ll see results: It typically takes one to two months after being added for the account to appear on your credit report.
Bottom Line
Improving your credit score doesn’t happen overnight—but every smart move adds up. Stay consistent with on-time payments, pay down your balances, and monitor your credit regularly.
At CreditVana, we make it easy to check your free credit score anytime—without hurting your credit.
Start building your financial confidence today.
