Raising your credit score by 100 points in just two months may sound like a dream, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely achievable. In this guide, I’ll share the exact steps I took to make this happen. These proven techniques will help you clean up your credit report, reduce debt, and boost your score quickly.
Step 1: Dispute Credit Report Errors
I started by obtaining my credit reports from the three major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. I meticulously reviewed each report for inaccuracies such as incorrect late payments, duplicate accounts, and accounts that didn’t belong to me. Using a 609 dispute letter, I challenged these errors and successfully removed several negative items.
Step 2: Lower Credit Utilization
Credit utilization accounts for 30% of your FICO score. My credit card balances were too high, so I paid them down to below 30% of the credit limit. For example, if you have a $1,000 credit limit, aim to keep your balance below $300. This simple change had an immediate positive impact on my score.
Step 3: Become an Authorized User
I asked a family member with a long credit history and low credit utilization to add me as an authorized user on their credit card. This strategy allowed me to “borrow” their positive credit history, which boosted my score significantly.
Step 4: Add a New Credit Line
I opened a secured credit card to build positive payment history. A secured card is backed by a deposit, making it easier to get approved. I made small purchases and paid off the balance in full each month.
Step 5: Avoid New Hard Inquiries
To avoid damaging my progress, I refrained from applying for new loans or credit cards during this 60-day period. Each hard inquiry can lower your score by a few points.
Conclusion
By following these steps consistently, I improved my credit score by 100 points in just two months. You can achieve similar results by being diligent, patient, and strategic with your credit management.
