Check your credit reports for errors and dispute any inaccuracies immediately
Pay all bills on time going forward
Bring past-due accounts current as soon as possible
Pay down credit card balances, especially those near their limits
Keep credit card utilization below 30 percent, ideally below 10 percent
Avoid opening multiple new credit accounts at once
Avoid closing old credit cards unless necessary
Set up automatic payments or reminders to prevent missed payments
Contact creditors to request hardship plans or payment arrangements
Ask for a goodwill adjustment if you have a one-time late payment
Become an authorized user on a well-managed credit card
Use a secured credit card if you need to rebuild credit
Keep older accounts active with small, regular purchases
Pay collections if they can be removed or updated favorably
Limit hard inquiries by applying for credit only when necessary
Monitor your credit regularly to track progress