Tips to raise your credit score.

We are on a mission to tackle personal finance issues, and this month we are specifically looking at debt. A couple days ago we did a deep dive into credit scores: what they are, how they are calculated, and what they are used for. Now that we are all on the same page there, maybe you have had a chance to check yours and you’d like to know how to bring that number up. Here are a few tips, and I’m especially excited about the last one, because I just tried it myself!

Use less than 30% of available credit limits. Even better, keep the percentage below 10%

Make sure balance is low when it gets reported. Do this by paying throughout the month, and by the end of the billing cycle. Sometimes you can anticipate the reporting dates by checking your credit card app.

Get your limit raised, but only if you won’t be tempted to spend more. (Caveat: if you are in the process of getting a property loan, check with your lender before doing this one.)

Know someone with a great score? Ask to be an authorized user on their card. You don’t even have to use it or even have access to the account. They just add your name.

Pay it on time, every time. Even if it’s just the minimum.

Dispute report errors. Get a copy of your report at linktr.ee/missoulabookkeeper.

Here’s the exciting one! Try Experian Boost. It’s totally free! You connect the account you pay your bills out of and it gives you points for bills you pay regularly (like utilities and subscriptions). I tried it and my score went up 13 points in 5 minutes! You can also upgrade and they will negotiate bills on your behalf (like cell and internet). There’s even a free trial period for the upgrade, so get in there, take advantage and then you can cancel without paying a dime!

How often do you check your credit score? Have you ever made a specific goal to raise your score? Let us know in the comments!