Improving your credit score doesn't have to take years. With the right habits and consistent effort, you can see meaningful improvements in as little as 90 days. Here are seven proven strategies to help boost your score.
1. Check Your Credit Reports for Errors
The first step to improving your credit is knowing exactly what's on your report. Request free copies from all three bureaus and review them carefully for inaccuracies, duplicate accounts, or outdated information.
2. Pay Down High Credit Card Balances
Your credit utilization ratio — the amount of credit you're using compared to your total available credit — accounts for about 30% of your credit score. Aim to keep your utilization below 30%, and ideally below 10%.
3. Set Up Automatic Payments
Payment history is the single most important factor in your credit score, making up 35% of the total. Setting up automatic payments ensures you never miss a due date.
4. Become an Authorized User
If a family member or close friend has a credit card with a long positive history, ask to be added as an authorized user. Their positive payment history can boost your score.
5. Limit New Credit Applications
Each hard inquiry can temporarily lower your score by a few points. Avoid applying for new credit cards or loans unless absolutely necessary during your 90-day improvement period.
6. Keep Old Accounts Open
The length of your credit history matters. Even if you're not using an old credit card, keeping the account open helps maintain a longer average account age.
7. Diversify Your Credit Mix
Having different types of credit — such as credit cards, a car loan, and a mortgage — can positively impact your score. However, don't open new accounts just for the sake of diversity.
Need Professional Help?
If you're struggling with negative items on your credit report, professional credit repair services can help. Contact Frontier Credit Repair for a free consultation.