How to improve your credit score quickly

Credit scores play an important role in our daily lives. They may affect things like whether we can get loans and what interest rates we need to pay when we borrow. They can maybe sway the decision on our mortgage application. 

If you’re struggling with a low credit score, the good news is that you can try to improve it. There are several strategies available that you can try to improve your credit score quickly. 

However, these changes will depend on your unique situation, current credit mix, borrowing history, and other factors.

It’s also important to point out that any short-term improvements to your score will probably be modest. But, over time, they can make a dramatic difference. 

The reality of improving your credit score quickly

There are certain strategies out there for a quick credit score boost. However, improving a score significantly generally takes time. 

Your credit score is like your financial reputation. It takes time to build and care is required to maintain it. Fast credit score tips can make some credit score improvement, but it is likely to be fairly small. Positive changes to your credit report is key as many banks and lenders will use their own scoring system to judge whether they can offer you the credit you desire.

Factors affecting credit score

Credit score factors include things like your payment history and credit utilisation rate. Your score also is affected by the length of your credit history, different types of credit, and new footprint credit applications. 

Your payment history is the most significant factor in your score. It reflects whether you've paid past credit accounts on time. 

Next is your credit utilisation rate. This ratio reflects the amount of credit relative to your total available credit. The length of credit history, different types of credit  and new credit applications account for the rest of the score. 

For this reason, seeing a large rapid credit score improvement may not be possible. However, strategies to improve your credit rating fast can have big impacts over the long term, making them worthwhile. 

Understanding some common myths about credit scores can also help you take the most meaningful actions toward improving.

Strategies to improve your credit score

If you want to improve your credit score fast, know that patience is key. However, the following strategies are likely to see some change in the short term, with a more significant change over time.

Establish your residential proof

Establishing residential proof is an important foundation for a good credit score. To do it, enroll on the electoral roll at your current address. This can be done even if you're sharing accommodation or living with your parents.

Try to minimise frequent address changes

Lenders prefer stability. Frequent home relocations might be seen as financial instability. Although not always possible, try to minimise moving homes often if you’re looking for fast ways to improve credit. The longer you’re at the electoral roll at one address, the better it is for credit report.

Develop your credit history

Having a limited or nonexistent credit history can make it difficult for lenders to evaluate you. This can potentially lead to a lower credit score. So take out credit wisely and within your means to start developing your history.

Consider a credit builder card

A credit builder card can help in improving your credit rating over time. These cards usually come with low spending limits and higher interest rates. 

While obtaining a new credit card may temporarily lower your score, responsible use over time can enhance your credit score overall. With the high interest rates, it would be prudent to pay off the balance on a monthly basis to avoid accumulating debt and displaying to future lenders that you are responsible when it comes to paying back the credit.

Always pay your bills on time

Payment history is a major factor in your credit score. This is why consistently paying your bills on time can significantly improve it. 

Setting up automatic payments or reminders can help ensure you don't miss due dates.

Reduce your credit utilisation

Lowering your credit utilisation rate is an important part of good credit hygiene. It can also provide a small but quick credit score increase in some cases. 

Try to keep your credit card balances low, and pay off debt rather than moving it around.

Diversify your credit mix

Many lenders like to see a mix of different credit types on your credit report. This includes revolving credit like credit cards and instalment loans like car loans or mortgages. 

If you can manage your different types of credit responsibly, it can positively impact your score.

Monitoring your credit report

Checking your credit report and score from time to time allows you to track how you’re improving. But checking your credit report is important for another reason, too. 

Specifically, it can also help you catch and correct any errors, leading to a quick credit repair. 

Maintaining a good credit score

If you’re looking to improve your credit score, know that achieving big changes will require patience and effort over the long term. 

While tips to improve your credit rating fast can have some small effects in the short term, the biggest changes will come with consistent dedication.

FAQs

Q: How can I improve my credit score in 30 days?

A: Improving your credit score in 30 days can be challenging. However, it’s not impossible. 

If you’re looking to boost your score, it’s wise to first focus on paying all your bills on time, as payment history is a significant factor affecting your credit score. 

Lowering your credit utilisation, or the amount of credit you're using relative to your credit limit, can also help. You can do this by paying down outstanding balances as far as possible. 

Regularly monitoring your credit report and disputing any errors may also help make a small increase to your credit score quickly.

Q: How can I boost my credit score immediately?

A: Immediate changes to credit scores are not usually possible. This is because many lenders only provide updates to the credit bureaus monthly. 

However, if you're looking for a quick credit score increase, try reducing your credit utilisation, paying bills on time, and disputing inaccuracies on your credit report. Keep in mind, though, that significant credit score improvement takes time and consistent financial management.

A: How long it takes to build a credit score of 900+ depends on many factors, including your current credit score and borrowing history. 

In general, building a good score takes time. This is because credit scores reflect your long-term financial behaviour. 

To start, focus on paying all your bills on time, keeping your credit card balances low, and not applying for new credit unless necessary. If you remain consistent, you should see improvement over time. 

Consulting a credit counsellor or financial advisor may provide additional guidance.

Q: How can I raise my credit score in two weeks?

A: Raising a credit score significantly in just two weeks is usually unlikely. Among other things, this is because many lenders report updates to the credit bureaus once per month.

However, if you’re looking for a speedy credit score improvement, actions like paying down balances to lower your credit utilisation rate might help. Also, check your credit report for any errors and dispute them right away. 

The removal of negative incorrect information could potentially boost your score. 

Also, try to learn more about quick credit score increases. Despite these tips, remember that sustainable credit score improvement is a long-term process.

This article was written on 9 November 2023; all information was correct at the time of writing