Alright, so you wanna boost that credit score and join the 700 Club (or better yet, the 800 Elite squad)? No worries, I got you. Let’s break it down—with a little flair to keep it interesting. 😎
- Pay Your Bills On Time—Like Your Life Depends On It
💸 Why? Because payment history makes up 35% of your score. Missing a payment is like forgetting your anniversary—you’ll regret it for a long time.
💡 Pro Tip: Set up autopay. Let the machines handle it while you sip your coffee and watch your credit climb.
- Keep Your Credit Utilization Low—Don’t Max Out Like You’re on a Shopping Spree
🛍️ What’s that? It’s how much credit you’re using compared to how much you could use. Ideally, keep it below 30%.
🎯 Pro Tip: Under 10%? You’re golden. If you’ve got a $1,000 limit, try to keep that balance under $100. Treat your credit card like a toddler—let it have a little freedom, but don’t let it run wild.
- Don’t Close Old Accounts—They’re Your Credit’s “Elders”
🏡 Why? Length of credit history is 15% of your score. Closing an old account is like kicking Grandma out of the house. She’s got wisdom that keeps the family (your credit) together!
⚡ Pro Tip: Even if you don’t use that card much, let it sit there collecting dust. Old accounts make you look like a responsible adult (even if you still eat cereal for dinner).
- Apply for New Credit Sparingly—Don’t Be Thirsty
🍹 Why? Too many inquiries in a short time makes you look desperate. It’s like texting your ex 10 times in a row. Desperation? Not attractive.
🔍 Pro Tip: Space out your credit applications. Aim for 6 months between them if you can.
- Mix It Up—Variety is the Spice of Credit Life
🎲 Why? Lenders like to see that you can juggle different types of credit—credit cards, car loans, mortgages, etc.
🏆 Pro Tip: You don’t need to take out a random loan just to impress your credit score, but if you naturally need different types of credit, that’s a win.
- Check Your Credit Report—It’s Like Checking Your Selfies Before Posting
📸 Why? Errors happen. And they can tank your score faster than a bad haircut.
🕵️ Pro Tip: Get a free credit report once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you see something shady, dispute it ASAP.
- Be Patient—Good Things Take Time
⏳ Why? Building credit is like growing a beard—patchy at first, but give it time, and you’ll be rocking that full, glorious score.
💥 Final Thought: Treat your credit score like a relationship. Be consistent, don’t ghost it, and give it the love it deserves. And before you know it, you’ll be flexing that 800+ like a boss. 💪
Now go forth and conquer that credit! 🤑
Mortgage •
April 4, 2025
7 Smart Steps to Boost Your Credit Score to the 700+ Squad
