Can I Increase My Credit Score Fast? Tips for Building Better Credit

^{By Bromwich+Smith Staff | 997 words | Reading Time: 5 minutes | Last Update: 2023/10/26}

Credit scores play a crucial role in many aspects of our lives but are often overlooked until we need them. Your credit score will influence the terms and conditions under which you can obtain credit. Simply, if you're looking to buy or rent a property, purchase or lease a car, or even looking to increase your credit limits, your credit score is a decisive factor. Lenders often request a credit check to assess your creditworthiness, and this will determine if they grant you the credit you are looking for.  

When lenders conduct a credit check, they see a full picture of your credit history. This report comprises several key components, including your existing credit accounts, outstanding debts, and any history of missed or late payments. Additionally, it records any actions taken by creditors in response to your credit behavior. A lower credit score may lead to higher interest rates as lenders seek to alleviate the risk to themselves when lending to individuals with a less favorable credit history. 

Importance of Improving Your Credit Score 

The benefits of having a higher credit score are important, with the first being the lower interest rates on loans. This financial advantage becomes obvious when making significant purchases, such as homes or vehicles. A higher credit score can translate into thousands of dollars in savings over the life of a loan. 

How can you improve your credit score?

If you're looking to improve your credit score quickly, there are achievable steps you can take: 

1. Use Credit Cards to Build Credit: While not all bills impact credit scores, credit card usage can significantly influence your score. Timely payments on your credit card bills are vital for building and maintaining a good credit score. That being said, if you are unable to pay off your credit card bills when they come due your credit score will be lowered.  

2. Pay Off Credit Cards in Full Monthly: Demonstrating responsible credit use is vital. Consider automating small credit card payments to ensure you consistently pay your balance in full each month. While this can not always be the case, it is crucial to pay off at least the minimum balance and if possible more.  

3. Keep Credit Card Balances Below 50% of the Limit: Credit scores are based on a snapshot of your credit utilization, so it's essential to manage your balances carefully. Avoid relying on credit cards for daily expenses if possible.  

4. Pay Bills on Time: Missed or late payments can have severe consequences on your credit report. Set reminders or use automatic withdrawals to ensure you pay your bills on time consistently. When you pay your bills through online bank services, there is a 3-5 day delay from the money leaving your account and getting to your creditor. You may want to consider talking to your creditors to change your bill payment dates to have the due dates 6-7 days after your pay day.  

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The Impact of Credit Score Improvement 

Improving your credit score can lead to positive changes in your financial life. The goal is to qualify for better rates and terms when seeking credit for significant investments. It's important to remember that credit scores are not permanent- in fact they can change throughout the month and any misstep can be rebuilt over time. 

Monitoring Your Credit Score 

Regularly checking your credit score is a prudent practice. Equifax and TransUnion offer free options for individuals to monitor their credit scores. Staying informed about your credit score allows you to track your progress and address any issues promptly. If you are finding this to be a stressor, consider setting a yearly reminder to check your credit score instead of checking it every month.  

As you can see, positive credit scores are helpful in determining credit worthiness for financial transactions, influencing everything from interest rates to loan approvals. Improving your credit score can help ensure you are rewarded with preferred rates.  Remember the simple and practical steps you can take to enhance your creditworthiness quickly. Remember that your credit score is not set in stone, and with effort, it can be improved. 

Its always great to know your own credit score and Equifax, and TransUnion both offer free options.

Want to know more? Check out this CTV interview with our VP as she chats about credit and ways to improve your credit score. Here is the link to the YouTube video for improving your credit score

Also, for more great information on what happens to your credit during a bankruptcy or consumer proposal check out: https://www.bromwichandsmith.com/impact-credit

Bromwich+Smith has a number of debt relief strategies to help you regain control of your finances and get your life back on track. Reach out today for a free, confidential, no obligation consultation. Bromwich+Smith’s Debt Relief Specialists are available by phone at 1.855.884.9243, or request a call back at contact us page. We want to see you flourish!

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FAQ Related to Building Better Credit and Increase Credit Score Fast

1. What factors influence your credit score? 

Your credit score is influenced by various factors, including your existing credit accounts, outstanding debts, payment history, and actions taken by creditors in response to your credit behavior. 
 
2. Why is it important to improve your credit score? 
 
Improving your credit score can lead to lower interest rates on loans, resulting in substantial savings on significant purchases like homes or vehicles. 
 
3. What are some tips for quickly improving your credit score? 
 
To quickly improve your credit score, consider using credit cards to build credit, pay off credit cards in full each month, keep credit card balances below 50% of the limit, and ensure you pay bills on time, preferably a few days after your pay day. 
 
4. How does credit score improvement impact your financial life? 
 
Credit score improvement can lead to better rates and terms when seeking credit for major investments, and it's important to remember that credit scores are not permanent; they can change and be rebuilt over time. 
 
5. How can I monitor my credit score? 
 
You can monitor your credit score by regularly checking it with free options from credit bureaus like Equifax and TransUnion. Consider setting a yearly reminder to check your score if you find monthly checks stressful. 

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