How to build your Credit Score
Improve your credit score by paying on time, keeping debt low, maintaining old accounts, limiting new applications, and diversifying your credit types.
The credit score: what it is, how to improve it and why it matters
In the United States, your credit score is more than just a number—it's a critical component of your financial health. This score influences your ability to secure loans, rent apartments, and even land certain jobs.
I Have an Almost 800 Credit Score. Here's How I Did It
How much debt you carry impacts 30% of your credit score. Before we had our mortgage, the two biggest debts I carried were my student loans and my car loan. To grow my score, I created an aggressive plan to pay off my loans early. I did this by increasing my income and taking on multiple side hustles temporarily.
How Your Mortgage Affects Your Credit Score
The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to get the best mortgage rates. But making regular mortgage payments can boost your score in the long run.
What is the average credit score in the US?
Most generations increased their average FICO Score by a single point in 2024, although Generation X, currently carrying more debt than other generations, remained at its 2023 average score. (The Silent Generation, born prior to 1946, has been at a healthy average of 760 for four consecutive years.)
8 biggest factors that impact your credit score
Learn what could be negatively impacting your credit score, from a high utilization rate to late payments and more.
Credit Score: How to clean up your late payments?
Late payments can be a significant hurdle in maintaining a healthy credit score. However, there are strategic steps you can take to mitigate their impact.
What is a good credit score to buy a house?
Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: Typically,
Why might your credit score fall even when you pay on time? 5 key reasons
It can become very confusing to understand how your credit score is fluctuating all the while you are regularly paying your bills in time. Here are some reasons which could lead to a drop in your credit score even if you are prompt in paying your bills.
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Got Fair or Average Credit? Here's How a Credit Card Can Help Raise Your Score Even Higher
Look for cards with low fees and transparent terms, and don't forget to continue practicing good credit habits.
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Essential Strategies for Strengthening Your Credit Score
A strong credit score is one of the most critical tools in achieving financial stability and opening up opportunities like ...
9 tips for maximizing your approval for a credit card
Learn 9 tips that can increase the likelihood of card approval, including checking your credit score, correcting errors on ...
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Taking Out a Personal Loan May Help You Improve Your Credit Score—But Should You?
Jessica Gibson is a content update editor and writer for Investopedia. She has over 10 years of experience in digital publishing and three years of experience covering financial topics like ...
Worried about poor credit score? These 5 easy steps can help you improve it
Anything above 750 is considered to be an excellent CIBIL score while one in the range of 650-749 is considered to be good.
How one person repaired her credit and turned her finances around
Creditors report payments you make on time to the credit bureaus, as well as payments that are 30 or more days late. Payment ...