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Whether you’re just starting out, rebuilding after a setback or trying to maintain good credit, small, steady habits can move your credit score in the right direction. A higher score can make it easier to get approved and less expensive to borrow by helping you qualify for lower interest rates.

To improve your score, start with the tips below that match where you are today. Then, follow our 30‑day plan if you want a simple step‑by‑step guide.

No matter where you are on your credit journey, checking your credit reports can help you spot issues that may hurt your score — and make sure no one has opened accounts in your name. Get your free reports at annualcreditreport.com and dispute anything that’s incorrect.
Want a simple step-by-step checklist to put these ideas into action over the next month? 
30-day credit plan

I’m new to credit

Start with one beginner‑friendly credit tool

What to do: Open one account like a secured card or a credit‑builder loan. With a secured card, you pay a refundable deposit that becomes your card limit. With a credit‑builder loan, a lender puts the loan amount in a locked savings account and you make monthly payments to repay it (you get your money back once it’s paid in full). You can also try a low‑limit starter or store card, but use it lightly and pay on time.

Why it helps: These tools report your payments to the credit bureaus so you can begin building a credit history.

Make a small purchase and pay it off every month

What to do: Put one predictable expense on a credit card and pay it in full every month. You don’t need to carry a balance to build credit.

Why it helps: You build positive payment history without paying interest.

Keep credit use low

What to do: Aim to use under 30% of your total available credit and stay closer to 10% when you can.

Why it helps: Lower usage shows responsible borrowing and can help your score rise faster.

Consider becoming an authorized user

What to do: Ask a trusted person with strong credit to add you as an authorized user to one of their credit accounts. Be sure to use that credit responsibly and pay what you owe on time.

Why it helps: Their positive history may appear on your credit report and support your score.

Tip: Avoid joining accounts with late payments or high balances.

If you rent an apartment or house, ask your landlord if on‑time rent payments can be reported to the credit bureaus. It will add to your positive credit history.

I’m repairing my credit

Bring past due accounts up to date

What to do: Catch up on missed payments as soon as you can and keep them current.

Why it helps: New on-time payments can outweigh earlier missed and late payments over time.

Lower how much credit you’re using

What to do: Pay down balances. If possible, make an extra payment a few days before the statement closes.

Why it helps: A lower reported balance supports your credit score.

Use secured tools to rebuild

What to do: Consider a secured card or a credit-builder loan. A secured card requires a refundable deposit that becomes your limit. A credit-builder loan works the opposite way — the lender holds the loan amount while you make payments, and you get the money back after you’ve paid it off.

Why it helps: These are easier to qualify for and help rebuild positive history.

Turn on automatic minimum payments

What to do: Set autopay for at least your minimum payment on every account.

Why it helps: Payment history has the most weight in your credit score. Autopay helps you avoid new late payments that could reset your “rebuild clock.”

Freeze your credit if you're recovering from identity theft

What to do: If you’ve had identity theft or fraud, place a free credit freeze with all three credit bureaus.

Why it helps: A freeze prevents new accounts from being opened without your approval and protects the progress you’re making.

Request a credit limit increase on a well-managed card if overspending isn’t a risk. A higher limit can lower your utilization and help boost your score.

I’m maintaining good credit

Keep paying on time

What to do: Use autopay or reminders so you never miss a due date for a bill.

Why it helps: Consistent on-time payments protect the most important part of your score.

Keep older no-fee accounts open and active

What to do: Put one small recurring charge on your oldest no-fee credit card, then pay it off each month.

Why it helps: A longer credit history and ongoing positive payments support a stronger score.

Limit new applications

What to do: Apply for new credit only when needed. If you're rate shopping, submit applications close together.

Why it helps: Fewer inquiries help maintain your score, and in some scoring models, grouped inquiries count as one.

Make a mid-cycle payment to keep reported balances low

What to do: In addition to your normal payment on an account, pay down your balance a few days before the statement date.

Why it helps: Lenders often see the statement balance, not your real time balance. Lower reported utilization supports your score month after month.

Paying off a car loan, student loan or other installment loan won’t permanently affect your score, even if it impacts it temporarily.

Common credit myths

These misunderstandings can get in the way of improving your score:

  • You need to carry a balance to build credit.
    False. Paying in full builds credit without interest charges.
  • Checking your own credit score hurts it.
    False. Pulling your own score is considered a soft inquiry, which doesn’t affect your score.
  • Your income affects your credit score.
    False. Income isn’t part of credit scoring, although it can affect lenders’ approval decisions.
  • Closing a card always hurts your score.
    Not always. Closing a card can affect your utilization, but if it's a newer card and not needed, the impact may be small.
Start building and improving your credit with our 30 day plan to build a stronger credit score.