Image source: Getty Images

Just a few simple actions — done consistently — can raise your credit score by 50 points or more, sometimes within a few months.

Looking for a secure place to grow your savings? See our expert picks for the best FDIC-insured high-yield savings accounts available today – enjoy peace of mind with competitive rates.

The trick is knowing which actions move the needle the most and what to tackle first.

Your credit score is mostly a math formula. Here are the factors that make up a typical FICO® Score:

• 35% — Payment history (whether you pay bills on time)
• 30% — Credit utilization (how much credit you use vs. what you have)
• 15% — Length of credit history (older is better)
• 10% — Credit mix (variety of accounts, like loans and cards)
• 10% — New credit (recent applications)

Not all of these are within your immediate control. But the ones that are can be powerful.

1. Pay every account on time — no exceptions

This one’s non-negotiable. Missing even one payment can tank your score by 50 to 100 points. Especially if it hits the 30-day late mark and gets reported to credit bureaus.

Consistent on-time payments are the fastest way to build a rock-solid score.

What to do:

• Set up autopay for at least the minimum payment on every account.
• Use calendar reminders for due dates.
• If you’re late, call your lender before it gets reported, because some will give you a grace period.

Remember, 35% of your credit score is based on this single habit. If you messed up in the past, don’t stress. Just start fresh now and stay consistent with payments.

Pro tip: If you have trouble staying organized, the Chase app allows you to customize alerts for your credit card, including reminders for payments. Check out all our top rated Chase credit cards.

2. Check your credit reports and fix any errors

According to the FTC, 1 in 5 people have a credit report error that could be hurting their score.

So it’s always worth checking your report (at no cost!) to make sure all your info looks right.

How to check your report:

1. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com (it’s free!)
2. Download your reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
3. Look for mistakes, like accounts you don’t recognize, late payments that shouldn’t be there, or balances that were already paid off.
4. Dispute anything that’s wrong. The Federal Trade Commission has a sample letter you can use.

Fixing just one error could give your score a quick bump.

Another option — some banks give you free credit monitoring tools that monitor your score every month. Here’s my favorite everyday card that helps me stay on top of my credit score.

3. Lower your credit utilization ratio

Your credit utilization ratio is how much of your available credit you’re using. So if your credit limit is $10,000 and your balance is $5,000, your utilization is 50%.

Experts recommend keeping this below 30%, but the sweet spot for top scores is under 10%.

Ways to lower it fast:

• Pay your balances down early (even before the statement closes).
• Ask for a credit limit increase (or open a new line).
• Spread spending across multiple cards to keep individual balances low.

These strategies can improve your score in a matter of weeks, because credit utilization makes up 30% of your credit score.

If you’re bogged down with credit card debt, this top balance transfer card can help cut your interest dramatically and help you pay off debt faster.

Ready to level up your credit?

Boosting your credit score is one of the highest-return money moves you can make. Higher scores can make qualifying for mortgages easier, lower your insurance premiums, and give you access to the best credit cards.

It’s all about building smart habits. And knowing where to start first. Always pay on time, check for mistakes, and lower your credit utilization. Each of these tips can give your score a meaningful boost.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from Motley Fool Money is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Joel O’Leary has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.