How to Raise Your Credit Score As High As Possible

Opt-Out of Prescreened Offers

Stop credit bureaus from selling your data. This lowers your exposure to new credit inquiries and unsolicited offers.

Use Experian Boost

Add your utility, phone, and streaming payments to your Experian credit report. Free and effective.

Report Rent with CreditRentBoost

Rent payments can count. Report your rental history to the credit bureaus to show consistent on-time payments.

Pay All Bills On Time

The single biggest factor in your score. Automate reminders or payments so you are never late.

Keep Credit Utilization Below 25%

If your credit limit is $1,000, keep your balance under $250. The ideal range is 10 to 25%.

Become an Authorized User

Get added to a family member's good-standing credit card. You inherit their positive payment history.

Don't Open Multiple Accounts at Once

Opening several accounts in a short period can drop your score. Space new accounts out over time.

Pay Before Your Statement Date

Find out when your card reports to the bureaus and pay early to lower your reported balance.

Use a Chime Secured Card

No credit check required. A great tool for building or rebuilding credit from scratch.

Avoid Closing Old Accounts

The age of your accounts helps your score. Keep old cards open, especially ones with no annual fee.

Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report

Pull your free report and check for mistakes. Dispute them directly online. Errors are more common than you think.

Pay Off Small Balances First (Snowball)

Clear small debts to reduce open balances and show consistent, responsible habits.

Keep Track of Due Dates

Use apps or a calendar to stay on top of due dates and never miss a payment again.

Set Up Automatic Minimum Payments

Set your bank to auto-pay minimums on every card so you never accidentally miss a due date.

Use eCredable Lift

Reports utilities, phone, and internet bills to TransUnion. Another easy boost opportunity.

Use Self Financial

Build credit while saving money. They report on-time payments to all 3 bureaus.

Stop Applying for Store Credit Cards

Each hard inquiry dings your score. Most store cards aren't worth the hit.

Understand Collection Impact

Old collections impact your score less over time. Don't pay them unless you're negotiating a pay-for-delete.

Request Pay-for-Delete in Writing

Before paying off a collection, negotiate in writing that the debt will be removed from your report upon payment.

Monitor Your Credit with MyFICO

Stay on top of your score with accurate monitoring. Especially critical before any major financial move.