30-day wins
- Pay revolving balances before the statement cut date to lower reported utilization.
- Ask for a credit limit increase (soft pull if possible).
- Pay down any card reporting over 30% of its limit.
60-day plays
- Dispute clear reporting errors.
- Set up auto-pay for at least the minimum due.
90-day moves
- Add a secured card or credit-builder loan (if thin file).
- Become an authorized user on a pristine, low-utilization card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the fastest way to boost my score?
Pay down high utilization and dispute any clear errors on your report.
How much can my score improve in 30 days?
Depends on starting point, but 20-50+ points possible with major utilization reduction.
Should I pay off all my cards to $0?
Keep one card with small balance (1-9% utilization) to show active usage.