Check your credit reports from all three bureaus
Dispute any errors or inaccurate accounts
Pay all bills on time
Bring past-due accounts current
Pay down credit card balances
Keep credit utilization low
Avoid closing old credit accounts
Limit new credit applications
Set up automatic payments or reminders
Negotiate with creditors for payment plans
Ask for goodwill adjustments on late payments
Become an authorized user on a well-managed account
Use a secured credit card if needed
Keep older accounts open and active
Monitor your credit regularly
Avoid debt settlement unless necessary
Keep credit mix balanced over time
Wait for negative items to age off your report