Check your report regularly
You’re entitled to a free report from each bureau every year. Reviewing helps catch errors and track progress.
Your credit can open (or close) doors. The good news: a few focused habits can make a big difference—often in just a few months.
You’re entitled to a free report from each bureau every year. Reviewing helps catch errors and track progress.
Even one 30-day late can sting. Use autopay or reminders so every bill hits on time—consistency beats speed.
Keep revolving balances under 30% of the limit—10% or less is ideal for faster movement.
If approved, utilization drops without opening a new account. (Don’t use the extra room to spend more.)
Account age matters. Avoid closing your longest-standing cards unless there’s a strong reason.
Multiple recent pulls can shave points. Hold off on new credit while you’re improving scores.
Free reports are consumer disclosures—perfect for checking balances, utilization, and errors. A lender pull combines all three bureaus into a tri-merge using mortgage-specific FICO models (2/4/5) and only happens when we’re ready to proceed.
Most creditors report monthly. After a payoff, plan 2–4 weeks for the new balance to hit all three bureaus.
Usually no. Closing can raise utilization % and shrink account age—both can reduce scores.
Dispute factual errors only. For legit late payments, try a goodwill letter (polite request to remove) after you’re current.