Check for Errors: Look for inaccuracies, such as incorrect account balances, late payments you made on time, or accounts that don’t belong to you. Errors can negatively impact your credit score.

Dispute Errors: If you find any errors, dispute them immediately with the credit bureau that provided the report. Include supporting documentation. The credit bureau must investigate and respond within 30 days.

Monitor Your Credit Report Regularly: Regular monitoring helps you stay informed about your credit status and quickly identify any changes or potential fraud.

Automate Your Payments: Set up automatic payments for your bills to ensure they are paid on time every month, reducing the risk of missed payments and late fees.

Set Payment Reminders: Use your bank or financial apps to set up reminders for upcoming due dates.

Prioritize Important Payments: If you can’t pay all your bills at once, focus on accounts that report to credit bureaus, such as credit cards and loans.

Pay Down Balances: Work on paying down your credit card balances, aiming to keep your utilization below 30%. For the best impact, target a ratio under 10%.

Request a Credit Limit Increase: Ask your credit card issuer for a higher credit limit. If approved, this can lower your utilization ratio as long as you maintain the same spending habits.

Spread Balances Across Cards: If you have multiple credit cards, try to distribute your balances instead of maxing out a single card.

Limit Credit Applications: Only apply for new credit when necessary. Each application results in a hard inquiry, which can slightly reduce your score.

Rate Shop Strategically: If you’re shopping for a loan, such as a mortgage or auto loan, do it within a short period (typically 14-45 days). Multiple inquiries within this window are often treated as a single inquiry by credit scoring models.

Consider Pre-Approval Offers: Pre-approval offers usually involve a soft inquiry, which does not affect your credit score. Explore these offers when considering new credit options.

Diversify Your Credit Portfolio: If you only have credit cards, consider adding an installment loan (like a car loan or personal loan) to your credit portfolio, but only if it aligns with your financial goals.

Keep Older Accounts Open: The length of your credit history affects 15% of your credit score. Closing old accounts can shorten your average account age and potentially lower your score. Keep older accounts open, even if they’re not frequently used.

Manage All Credit Types Responsibly: Regardless of the credit type, make timely payments and keep balances low to demonstrate responsible credit management.

Create a Debt Repayment Plan: List all your debts, including credit card balances, loans, and mortgages, along with their interest rates and minimum payments. Focus on paying off high-interest debt first, as it costs you the most in the long run.

Consider Debt Consolidation: If you have multiple high-interest debts, think about consolidating them into a single loan with a lower interest rate. This simplifies payments and reduces the amount of interest you pay.

Negotiate with Creditors: Reach out to your creditors to negotiate lower interest rates or more manageable payment plans. Many creditors are willing to work with you if you explain your financial situation.

Create and Stick to a Budget: Develop a budget that prioritizes paying off debt and saving for future goals. This helps you avoid overspending and keeps your financial health on track.

Regularly Monitor Your Credit: Review your credit report and score regularly to track your progress. This allows you to quickly address any issues that arise and stay on top of your credit health.

Educate Yourself on Personal Finance: Continuously learn about personal finance and credit management. Understanding how credit works will empower you to make informed decisions that positively impact your credit score.

Find a Certified Credit Counselor: Look for a certified credit counselor through reputable organizations like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) or the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA).

Beware of Credit Repair Scams: Avoid companies that promise instant credit score improvements or require upfront payments. Legitimate credit counseling services provide realistic guidance without making unrealistic promises.

Consider a Debt Management Plan: If you’re overwhelmed by debt, a credit counselor may suggest a debt management plan (DMP) to help you consolidate and pay off your debt while working to improve your credit score.