6 easy tips to help raise your credit score (2024)

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Establishing a good credit score isn't a complex process, but it's a vital piece of your financial picture. Having a higher score gives you access to the best credit cards, a lower interest rate on personal loans and can even come into play when you apply for a job or rent an apartment.

It's important to raise your credit score so you receive the best rates and can qualify for more credit cards. If you're building credit, secured cards, such as the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, are often your best option. Once you work your way up to good or excellent credit, you may qualify for cards with generous welcome offers and robust rewards programs, such as the American Express® Gold Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, two of CNBC Select's top-rated rewards cards. Thankfully, there are some easy and proactive steps you can take to improve your credit score.

Read on for CNBC Select's six easy tips to help you raise your credit score.

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1. Make your payments on time

Paying your bills on time is the most important thing you can do to help raise your score. FICO and VantageScore, which are two of the main credit card scoring models, both view payment history as the most influential factor when determining a person's credit score. For lenders, a person's ability to keep up with their credit card payments indicates that they are capable of taking out a loan and paying it back.

But your credit score isn't just impacted by your credit card bills. You need to pay all your bills on time. That includes all your utilities, student loan debt and any medical bills you might have.

2. Set up autopay or calendar reminders

If you struggle to remember to pay your bills each month (so many different due dates, so little time), there's an easy fix: autopay. If you're not sure you'll be able to pay your bill in full, you can set it so you just pay the minimum. And the same goes with your utilities: Most major providers will let you set up autopay that withdraws automatically each month from your checking or savings account (or charges your credit card). In the case of student loan companies, some give you a discount on your interest rate if you set up autopay.

If you don't want to use autopay, another easy option is setting up a payment reminder. Many banks and card issuers will let you schedule reminders through their websites, including sending you email reminders or push notifications (or both). You can also set up Google or Outlook calendar invites or make a note of the due date on a physical calendar. It doesn't really matter what notification system you use so long as you pay on time.

The sooner you start paying on time, the sooner your score will begin to improve. And just as a bit of motivation, older credit penalties, such as late payments, matter less as time passes. So start now and stay consistent.

3. Don't open too many accounts at once

FICO and VantageScore look at the number of credit inquiries, such as applications for new financial products or requests for credit limit increases, as well as the number of new account openings. Making these kinds of inquiries frequently dings your credit, so only apply for what you really need in order to avoid damaging your score. Plus, even if you have a good credit score, some issuers will automatically deny you if you've recently opened too many accounts. For example, you can't be approved for most Chase cards if you've opened five or more personal credit cards (from any card issuer) within the past 24 months.

If you want a new card, but you're not sure you'll qualify, you can submit a pre-qualification form online. You can submit as many pre-qualification forms as you want, as they won't impact your credit score.

Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in ourcredit card marketplaceor get personalized offers viaCardMatch™.

4. Get credit for paying monthly utility and cell phone bills on time

If you are already responsible about making your utility and cell phone payments on time, then you should check out *Experian Boost™. It's a free and easy way for consumers to improve their credit scores. The way Experian Boost works is simple: Connect your bank account(s) to Experian Boost™ so it can identify your utility, telecom and streaming service payment history. Once you verify the data and confirm you want it added to your Experian credit file, you'll get an updated FICO® score delivered to you in real-time.

Visit Experian to read more and register. By signing up, you will receive a free credit report and FICO score instantly.

Experian Boost™

On Experian's secure site

  • Cost

    Free

  • Average credit score increase

    13 points, though results vary

  • Credit report affected

    Experian®

  • Credit scoring model used

    FICO® Score

Results will vary. See website for details.

How to sign up for Experian Boost:

  1. Connect the bank account(s) you use to pay your bills
  2. Choose and verify the positive payment data you want added to your Experian credit file
  3. Receive an updatedFICO® Score

Learn more about eligible payments and how Experian Boost works.

5. Request a credit report and dispute any credit report errors

It's smart to look over your credit reports from each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You can proactively monitor your credit and receive three free credit reports (one from each bureau) annually at annualcreditreport.com.

Be sure to check for errors on your credit reports that could be hurting your score. While it may seem unlikely that your reports would be flawed, 26% of participants in a study by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) found at least one error on their reports that could make them appear riskier to lenders.

Common mistakes, according to My FICO, occur when a person applies for credit cards under different names, if a clerical error is made when information is typed from a hand-written application or if an ex-spouse's information remains on a person's report. If you spot an error, you should then gather any supporting evidence and dispute the mistake either online or by phone with the respective bureau that issued the incorrect report.

6. Pay attention to your credit utilization rate

Your credit utilization rate (CUR) is your total credit card balance divided by your total available credit. For instance, the average American has a credit limit of $21,017 on 4 cards and a $5,910 balance in 2022, according to Experian. That results in a CUR of about 28%. Experts typically recommend keeping your total CUR below 30%, and below 10% is even better.

If your CUR is above 30% and you have no problem paying your bills on time and in full, you can call your card issuer and ask for a credit increase. If you're struggling to pay off your bills and you have a high CUR, it's smarter to figure out some areas where you can cut back your spending.

What is considered a good credit score?

FICO Scores and VantageScore credit scores both range from 300 to 850 — but they classify good credit differently. Here's how the two companies classify good credit, according Experian:

FICO Score

  • Poor: 300 to 579
  • Fair: 580 to 669
  • Good: 670 to 739
  • Very good: 740 to 799
  • Excellent: 800 to 850

VantageScore

  • Very poor: 300 to 499
  • Poor: 500 to 600
  • Fair: 601 to 660
  • Good: 661 to 780
  • Excellent: 781 to 850

While this information is helpful, just know that ranges vary depending on the credit scoring model used and what the lender perceives as good credit. For example, a credit score of 661 is considered good by VantageScore, but not by FICO. And your lender may have another idea of what credit score is good.

Another thing to consider is the credit scoring versions that lenders use during the application process — FICO has 19that are most commonly used by lenders. The different versions are broken up into two main categories: base FICO Scores and industry-specific FICO Scores.

Base FICO Scores, such as FICO® Score 8, predict your chances of not paying as agreed in the future on any credit product, such as a mortgage, credit card or student loan. Industry-specific FICO® Scores, such as FICO® Auto Score 8, are more in-depth and also provide lenders a detailed credit risk assessment tailored to the specific type of credit you're applying for, such as an auto loan.

Even if your credit score falls within the "good" range, there is no guarantee you'll be approved for a financial product that requires good credit. During the application process, lenders consider numerous factors beyond your credit score, such as income and monthly housing payments.

How to get a free credit score

If you're unsure where your credit score stands, there are dozens of free credit score services available that offer you free FICO® Score or VantageScore. Here are some popular free credit score resources:

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage ofcredit cards,bankingandmoney, and follow us onTikTok,Facebook,InstagramandTwitterto stay up to date.

Read more

We analyzed 29 popular credit cards for building your credit history: Here's our pick for No. 1

Here are 4 ways to build credit without a credit card

Constantly checking your credit score? Here's how often it updates

Does checking your credit score lower it? Plus 12 other common credit score myths debunked

*Results will vary. Not all payments are boost-eligible. Some users may not receive an improved score or approval odds. Not all lenders use Experian credit files, and not all lenders use scores impacted by Experian Boost™. Learn more.

For rates and fees of the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, click here.

Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.

6 easy tips to help raise your credit score (2024)

FAQs

What are five 5 tips for improving your credit score? ›

Here are five credit-boosting tips.
  • Pay your bills on time. Why it matters. Your payment history makes up the largest part—35 percent—of your credit score. ...
  • Keep your balances low. Why it matters. ...
  • Don't close old accounts. Why it matters. ...
  • Have a mix of loans. Why it matters. ...
  • Think before taking on new credit. Why it matters.

What is the trick to increasing your credit score? ›

Get a Handle on Bill Payments

If you paid your debts responsibly and on time, it works in your favor. So a simple way to raise your credit score is to avoid late payments at all costs.

What raises your credit score more? ›

Make all payments on time and avoid applying for new credit. Lower your utilization ratio by paying down balances, increasing credit limits, or consolidating your debt. Become an authorized user on an account with a long history of responsible use.

How can I improve my credit score for dummies? ›

  1. Pay credit card balances strategically.
  2. Ask for higher credit limits.
  3. Become an authorized user.
  4. Pay bills on time.
  5. Dispute credit report errors.
  6. Deal with collections accounts.
  7. Use a secured credit card.
  8. Get credit for rent and utility payments.
Mar 26, 2024

What are the 5 C's of good credit? ›

The five Cs of credit are important because lenders use these factors to determine whether to approve you for a financial product. Lenders also use these five Cs—character, capacity, capital, collateral, and conditions—to set your loan rates and loan terms.

What are the 5 C's of credit score? ›

Character, capacity, capital, collateral and conditions are the 5 C's of credit. Lenders may look at the 5 C's when considering credit applications. Understanding the 5 C's could help you boost your creditworthiness, making it easier to qualify for the credit you apply for.

How to raise your credit score overnight? ›

How to Raise Your Credit Score 100 Points Overnight
  1. Become an Authorized User. This strategy can be especially effective if that individual has a credit account in good standing. ...
  2. Request Your Free Annual Credit Report and Dispute Errors. ...
  3. Pay All Bills on Time. ...
  4. Lower Your Credit Utilization Ratio.

How to fix your credit yourself? ›

Here are 11 steps you can take on your own to steer your credit in the right direction.
  1. Check Your Credit Report. ...
  2. Dispute Credit Report Errors. ...
  3. Bring Past-Due Accounts Current. ...
  4. Set Up Autopay. ...
  5. Maintain a Low Credit Utilization Rate. ...
  6. Pay Off Debt. ...
  7. Avoid Applying for New Credit. ...
  8. Keep Unused Credit Accounts Open.
Apr 22, 2023

Should I pay off my credit card in full or leave a small balance? ›

It's a good idea to pay off your credit card balance in full whenever you're able. Carrying a monthly credit card balance can cost you in interest and increase your credit utilization rate, which is one factor used to calculate your credit scores.

Why is my credit score going down when I pay on time? ›

Using more of your credit card balance than usual — even if you pay on time — can reduce your score until a new, lower balance is reported the following month. Closed accounts and lower credit limits can also result in lower scores even if your payment behavior has not changed.

Can I pay someone to fix my credit? ›

Yes, it is possible to pay someone to help fix your credit. These individuals or companies are known as credit repair companies and they specialize in helping individuals improve their credit score.

What is the largest contributing factor to your credit score? ›

1. Payment History: 35% Your payment history carries the most weight in factors that affect your credit score, because it reveals whether you have a history of repaying funds that are loaned to you.

How to update a credit report quickly? ›

You can't initiate a rapid rescore on your own. Instead, you'll need to work with a creditor that provides these services, such as a credit card company or another type of lender. Rescoring is commonly offered by mortgage lenders because securing a mortgage is usually more time-sensitive than other loans.

How quickly can I improve credit score? ›

Depending on your unique financial situation, it can take anywhere from one month to a few years to improve your credit score. Improving your credit score isn't something you can achieve overnight, but don't let that dishearten you. Every credit score can be improved with a little commitment and perseverance.

What are 4 ways to build your credit score? ›

There is no secret formula to building a strong credit score, but there are some guidelines that can help.
  • Pay your loans on time, every time. ...
  • Don't get close to your credit limit. ...
  • A long credit history will help your score. ...
  • Only apply for credit that you need. ...
  • Fact-check your credit reports.
Sep 1, 2020

How do I raise my credit score 10 points? ›

How to Raise Your Credit Score by 10 Points
  1. Dispute Errors – Errors on your credit report can adversely impact your score. ...
  2. Pay Down Credit Card Debt – Paying off credit card debt reduces your credit utilization, which measures how much of your credit you're using.
Sep 23, 2022

What are 2 of the top 5 factors that assist in calculating your credit score? ›

What Counts Toward Your Score
  • Payment History: 35% Your payment history carries the most weight in factors that affect your credit score, because it reveals whether you have a history of repaying funds that are loaned to you. ...
  • Amounts Owed: 30% ...
  • Length of Credit History: 15% ...
  • New Credit: 10% ...
  • Types of Credit in Use: 10%

What are the 5 credit score factors and explain each? ›

Factors used to calculate your credit score include repayment history, types of loans, length of credit history, debt utilization, and whether you've applied for new accounts. A credit score plays a key role in a lender's decision to offer credit and for what terms.

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