There’s no timeline for rebuilding your credit. How long it takes to boost your credit scores relies on what’s hurting your credit and taking steps to rebuild it. The specific actions that can help you improve your credit score depending on your unique credit situation. But nevertheless, there are small general steps that can help almost anyone’s credit.
Pay credit card balances strategically.
Credit utilization is one of the most significant factors in improving your credit score. You want a low balance when the card issuer reports it to the credit bureaus because that factor is used when assessing your credit score. An easy way to do that is to lower the balance before the end of a billing cycle or pay several times throughout the month.
Ask for higher credit limits.
When your credit limit increases and your balance stays neutral, it quickly lowers your credit utilization, which then improves your credit score. If your income has gone up or you’ve had consistent years of positive credit, it raises your chance of getting a higher limit.
Become an Authorized User
If a family member has a credit card account with a high credit limit and a good history, ask to be an authorized user. That adds the existing account to your credit reports every billing cycle, so its credit limit can help your utilization. A trusted user status allows you to benefit from the primary user’s positive payment history.
Pay Bills on Time
You cannot improve your credit score if you continually pay late. Your payment history is one of the most critical factors in assessing your credit scores, and a consistent history of on-time payments can help you achieve healthy scores. Make sure you don’t miss any loans or credit card payments by more than 29 days.
Expand Your Credit Portfolio
An additional credit account can help your credit, especially if it is a type of credit you don’t already own. For example, try getting a loan if you only own credit cards. You can also do the opposite. If you have loans or a few credit cards, a new credit card can help.