Are you curious about how to improve your credit score? Your credit score is the financial report card that tells lenders whether or not they should give you credit. Maintaining a good credit score is essential in today’s world. A good credit score can help you get loans with lower interest rates, and even help you qualify for apartments and jobs. In this blog, I’ll share with you ten surprising habits that can improve your credit score!

📚1. Know Your Credit Score

Before you can improve your credit score, you need to know what your score is. There are numerous free credit monitoring services available that you can use to track your credit score. Knowing your score will help you understand where you stand and what you need to do to improve your score.

A person looking at their credit report on a computer screen.

💳2. Use Credit Cards Wisely

A common misconception is that having credit cards is bad for your credit score. However, using credit cards wisely can improve your credit score. Make sure to pay off your credit card debt on time, and don’t use more than 30% of your credit limit. Using less of your credit limit can show lenders that you are responsible with your credit.

A person holding a credit card and looking puzzled

💰3. Pay Your Bills on Time

Paying your bills on time is one of the most important things you can do to improve your credit score. Late payments can negatively impact your credit score, so make sure to pay your bills on time, every time. Set up automatic bill reminders or use budgeting tools to keep track of your due dates.

A calendar with highlighted due dates with the word "pay bills on time" written on it.

🆓4. Monitor Your Credit Report

Your credit report contains all the information that impacts your credit score. It’s a good idea to regularly check your credit report for any errors or inaccuracies. If you find an error, report it to the credit bureau right away. Keeping your credit report accurate can help raise your credit score.

A person reading a credit report with a magnifying glass.

💸5. Consolidate Your Debt

If you have multiple credit cards with different interest rates, consolidating all your debt into one loan with a lower interest rate can be beneficial. You’ll only have one payment to make each month, and you’ll save money on interest charges. Making one payment on time can positively impact your credit score.

A person juggling multiple credit cards and looking overwhelmed.

🗣️6. Communicate with Creditors

If you are struggling to pay your bills, reach out to your creditors and communicate with them. They may be willing to work with you and come up with a payment plan that works for you. This can help prevent negative impacts on your credit score.

A person on the phone talking to a creditor and looking relieved.

🕰️7. Keep Old Accounts Open

Closing old accounts can negatively impact your credit score. Keep your oldest credit accounts open, even if you don’t use them. A long credit history can positively impact your credit score and show lenders that you are responsible with credit.

A person holding a credit card and a scissors, with the scissors approaching the card. A "no" symbol is superimposed on the scissors.

🛍️8. Don’t Open Too Many Accounts at Once

Opening too many accounts at once can hurt your credit score. Each time you apply for credit, it can have a negative impact on your score. Only apply for credit when you need it, and space out your applications.

A person trying to hold multiple credit cards and looking stressed.

🧍9. Be Careful of Authorized Users

Adding authorized users to your credit card account can be helpful, but it can also backfire. If an authorized user is irresponsible with credit, it can negatively impact your credit score. Only add authorized users that you trust.

A person holding a credit card with multiple users trying to grab the card at the same time.

🏦10. Apply for Credit sparingly

Credit applications lead to hard inquiries into your credit report, which can negatively impact your score if there are too many hard inquiries. Only apply for credit when you need it, and only apply for credit that you are likely to get approved for.

A person holding a "Credit Application" form with a red "X" superimposed on the form.

🏆Conclusion

Improving your credit score is an important step in maintaining your financial health. By implementing these ten habits, you can take control of your credit score and improve it over time. Remember to use credit wisely, pay your bills on time, and communicate with creditors when necessary. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to a better credit score in no time!

A person looking at their improved credit score on a computer screen with a thumbs up.