Week 7: How do I improve my credit score quickly?

Significant increases may take time but you can see noticeable improvements within a few months by following these steps:

Pay Down Credit Card Balances

• Your credit utilization ratio—the amount of credit you’re using compared to your limit—makes up 30% of your score.

• Aim to keep balances below 30% of your credit limit, and ideally below 10% for maximum impact.

• If possible, make multiple payments per month to keep your balance low at reporting time.

Make On-Time Payments

• Payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score.

• Set up autopay or reminders to ensure you never miss a due date.

• If you have late payments, try calling your creditor and requesting a “goodwill adjustment” to remove a late mark.

Become an Authorized User

• If you have a trusted family member or friend with a long credit history and low utilization, ask to be added as an authorized user on their account.

• Their positive payment history can help boost your score almost immediately.

Request a Credit Limit Increase

• Call your credit card issuer and request a credit limit increase—this can instantly lower your credit utilization ratio if you don’t increase your spending.

• Make sure to avoid hard inquiries that could temporarily lower your score.

Here’s Why Over 4 Million Professionals Read Morning Brew

• Business news explained in plain English

• Straight facts, zero fluff, & plenty of puns

• 100% free

See for yourself

Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report

• Obtain your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com and review it for errors such as:

  • Incorrect account information

  • Fraudulent accounts

  • Late payments that should not be reported

• Dispute errors directly with credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) for potential quick corrections.

Use Experian Boost or Rent Reporting Services

• Experian Boost allows you to get credit for paying bills like utilities, Netflix, and phone service.

• Some services let you report on-time rent payments to credit bureaus, which can help establish credit history.

Diversify Your Credit Mix

• If your credit file is thin, consider adding a small installment loan (like a credit-builder loan) or a secured credit card to show responsible credit management.

Avoid Opening Too Many New Accounts at Once

• Each credit inquiry can drop your score by a few points.

• Focus on improving existing credit rather than opening multiple new accounts quickly.

There’s no magic overnight fix but paying down debt, making on-time payments, and correcting errors can yield quick improvements. Commit to these strategies, and you’ll see your credit score rise in no time!