How to Repair Your Credit Score in 10 Easy Steps

To repair your credit, you first need to know your credit score and what those three numbers mean. Credit scores range from 300 to 850; the higher the number, the better your credit. Here’s how FICO® rates credit score ranges. ¹^,²

If your credit score is below 670 and falls in the “poor” or “fair” range, it’s considered “bad,”³ though you will find it easier to qualify for credit cards and loans the closer you get to that “good” range.⁴

A bad credit score doesn’t mean you can never get a loan or a credit card. But knowing your score empowers you to take the necessary steps to build your credit score and enjoy a more positive financial future.

Ready to start your journey toward a more positive credit score? Follow these 10 steps to repair your credit the right way.

1. Review your credit report

The first step in repairing your credit is to get a copy of your credit report from all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Check your credit report for free at all three bureaus once a week through AnnualCreditReport.com.⁵

Next, carefully review your credit reports to identify any discrepancies or inaccuracies. Check to make sure the following information is accurate:

• Personal information like your name, birth year, address, phone number, employers, and personal statement
• Accounts, including credit cards, credit lines, and loans
• Past hard credit inquiries
• Collections
• Public records, like bankruptcies

If everything looks correct, you can skip the next step. However, if you find errors, address them as soon as possible.

2. Dispute errors on your credit report

Almost half of all people report finding errors on their credit reports, and a quarter report finding serious mistakes.⁶ If you find an error, contact the appropriate credit bureau to dispute it and request the removal of any inaccurate information on your credit report.

File a dispute with each credit bureau that lists the error on its report. Include a letter that details the error, copies of documents that support the removal request, and a copy of your credit report with the inaccurate information circled or underlined. Credit bureaus have 30 days to investigate after you file your dispute.⁷

Once you’ve resolved the errors, monitor your credit report closely to ensure nothing else negative is added.

3. Pay your bills on time

Your payment history accounts for 35% of your total FICO^® Score⁸ and is the factor lenders consider most when reviewing credit applications.

Setting up autopay for your bills can help you avoid late payments, which can severely impact your credit score.

If you must pay the minimum, pay earlier than the due date. Consistency is crucial since one late payment can undo months of progress.

4. Keep your credit utilization low

Credit utilization is the amount of your available credit you’re using.

Amounts owed accounts for 30% of your FICO^® Score⁸ which makes it the second most influential factor on your credit score. If you have a total credit limit of $10,000 and use $5,000 of it, your credit utilization rate is 50%.

It’s best to keep your credit utilization as low as possible. Aim to keep yours in the single digits; generally, a credit utilization ratio under 30% is considered good.⁹ If possible, pay off cards in full each month. This demonstrates to lenders that you are responsible with your credit and can manage debt effectively.

5. Repay your debts

Holding a lot of debt makes it riskier for lenders to approve a credit card or loan application. Repaying outstanding debt not only makes you look better to lenders, but it also reduces your overall credit utilization ratio.

Even paying a portion of your debt can lower your utilization. Make a budget that helps you to free up money for repayments. Prioritize paying down balances, especially on any credit cards that are maxed out. Focus on paying off debts with higher interest rates first.

6. Maintain open credit accounts you’re not actively using

The length of your credit history accounts for 15% of your FICO^® Score.⁸ Generally, the longer your credit history, the better your score can be.

Your credit history length is determined by the ages of your oldest and newest accounts, as well as the average age of all accounts combined. Even if you have old credit cards you no longer use, keeping them open helps increase the average age of your credit history, which can positively impact your credit score.

7. Apply for a secured credit card

Responsible use of a secured credit card, like Chime Credit Builder, can help rebuild your credit history.

Most financial institutions report the payment activity on secured credit cards to the credit bureaus, which can help increase your score. Use these cards wisely, and your credit score may start to rise.

Learn more about secured credit cards to see whether they could be a helpful tool for strengthening your credit.

8. Apply for a credit builder loan

A credit builder loan is a short-term loan designed to help you establish or rebuild credit. This type of loan works differently from a traditional loan. It’s a common way to build credit without a credit card.

Credit builder loans put a small amount of cash in a savings account while you make monthly payments. Once the loan term ends, you receive the balance, plus any interest earned. Provided you’ve made on-time loan payments, you’ll see an improvement in your credit score.

9. Become an authorized user

If you can’t qualify for new credit right now, ask a friend or family member with good credit to add you as an authorized user on their credit card. Their positive history gets added to your credit file, helping improve your score.

Check that their card issuer reports authorized user activity to all three credit bureaus. To keep your friend or family member’s credit in good standing – and maintain their trust – avoid using their credit card unless you can pay on time. The original cardholder is liable for any charges incurred by the authorized user, so misuse of the card can lead to fractured relationships.

10. Don’t apply for unnecessary new credit

Sometimes, applying for credit is necessary. But when you do, the lender or credit card issuer makes a hard inquiry on your credit, which can lower your score by a few points. New accounts also lower your average credit age, and too many inquiries can make you look risky to lenders.

When working to repair your credit score, be strategic about when and why you apply for credit. Only apply for new credit accounts when you genuinely need them, since too many new applications can negatively impact your score.

Repairing your credit can take some effort, but your hard work will ultimately pay off. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy the perks that come with a good credit score, like lower interest rates and better borrowing opportunities.

Looking for the perfect credit card to rebuild your credit? Learn how to use the Chime^® Credit Builder Visa^® Credit Card to get your credit score back on track.