Your credit score affects everything from loan approvals to the interest rates you pay. If your score isn’t where you want it to be, the good news is you can improve it—often faster than you think. By understanding how credit scores work and making the right moves, you can start seeing improvements in as little as 30 days.
Here are the top 7 ways to improve your credit score quickly.
1. Pay Your Bills On Time—Every Time
Payment history makes up the largest portion of your credit score (35% in most models like FICO). Just one missed or late payment can hurt your score significantly.
Quick Fix: Set up automatic payments or reminders to ensure you never miss a due date.
2. Reduce Your Credit Utilization Ratio
Credit utilization is the percentage of your available credit that you’re using. Experts recommend keeping it under 30%, but for the fastest improvement, aim for under 10%.
Quick Fix: Pay down existing balances or request a credit limit increase to improve your ratio without taking on new debt.
3. Check Your Credit Report for Errors
According to the FTC, one in five people has an error on their credit report that could be dragging down their score.
Quick Fix: Request a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com. Dispute any inaccurate accounts, late payments, or balances.
4. Don’t Close Old Credit Accounts
The length of your credit history matters. Closing old or unused cards can shorten your average credit age and hurt your score.
Quick Fix: Keep older accounts open and use them occasionally to keep them active.
5. Limit New Credit Applications
Each hard inquiry (like applying for a new credit card or loan) can lower your score by a few points temporarily. Too many inquiries can make you look risky to lenders.
Quick Fix: Only apply for credit when absolutely necessary, and do your rate shopping within a short time frame (usually 14–45 days) to minimize the impact.
6. Become an Authorized User
If a trusted friend or family member has a high-limit, well-managed credit card, becoming an authorized user on their account can add positive payment history to your report.
Quick Fix: Ask to be added as an authorized user—but only if they consistently pay on time and keep their utilization low.
7. Use a Credit-Builder Tool or App
Several apps and tools, like PFScores, help monitor your financial health and provide personalized tips to raise your score. Some even report your on-time utility or rent payments to credit bureaus.
Quick Fix: Sign up for a credit monitoring tool that tracks your score and offers actionable recommendations based on your habits.
Final Thoughts
Improving your credit score doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistent effort and smart financial habits, you can see measurable results quickly. Whether you’re aiming to qualify for a mortgage, refinance a loan, or just boost your financial health, these seven steps are your fast track to a better credit score.
Want to see where you stand right now?
Check your credit score free with PFScores—get your score, your financial health rank, and tips to improve it. No credit card required, no impact on your credit.
