Pay every bill on time
Bring credit card balances below 30% of each limit
Pay credit card balances down to 10% or less if possible
Make multiple payments during the month to lower reported balances
Catch up on any past-due accounts immediately
Set up autopay for at least the minimum payment
Dispute any errors on your credit reports
Check all three credit reports for inaccuracies
Ask for a credit limit increase on existing cards
Keep old credit cards open
Avoid opening several new accounts at once
Avoid closing unused credit cards
Become an authorized user on a well-managed account
Use a secured credit card if you have limited credit
Use a credit-builder loan if available
Reduce overall debt as quickly as possible
Avoid maxing out any credit card
Keep installment loan payments current
Limit hard inquiries
Wait for negative items to age off your report
Negotiate removal of collections if possible
Pay off collections accounts when appropriate
Use credit sparingly while rebuilding
Monitor your credit score regularly