Payment history dominates. One missed payment can erase months of progress, so automate everything.
Key Takeaways
- Pay every bill on time – it is 35% of the score
- Lower credit utilization below 30%
- Dispute errors – they are common and fixable
The Biggest Lever
Payment history dominates. One missed payment can erase months of progress, so automate everything.
Utilization Trick
Paying balances before the statement date, not just the due date, keeps reported utilization low.
Quick Wins
Request credit-limit increases, become an authorized user on a clean account, and fix report errors.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Payment history | 35% |
| Amounts owed | 30% |
| Length of history | 15% |
| New credit | 10% |
| Credit mix | 10% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast will it move?
On-time payments and utilization fixes can lift scores 30-80 points within a few months.
Should I close old cards?
No – older accounts lengthen history and help utilization; keep them open.