The 5 levers that move your score
Payment history (35%)
Never miss a payment — even one 30-day late can drop you 60-90 points. Set everything to autopay the minimum.
Utilization (30%)
Keep each card under 30% of its limit (under 10% is ideal). Pay before the statement date, not just the due date.
Credit age (15%)
Don't close your oldest cards — length of history helps. Keep them active with a small recurring charge.
Credit mix (10%)
A healthy mix (a card + a loan/line) helps modestly. Don't open new accounts just for mix.
New inquiries (10%)
Avoid new credit applications in the 3-6 months before your mortgage. Each hard pull dings you a few points.
Don’t do these before applying
- • Don’t apply for new credit cards, car loans, or financing (each hard pull + new debt hurts).
- • Don’t close old cards — it shortens your history and raises utilization.
- • Don’t max out cards then pay at the due date — pay before the statement cuts.
- • Don’t co-sign for anyone right before your mortgage.
Improving your credit — FAQ
How long does it take to improve a credit score?
Meaningful gains take 3-6 months of clean behaviour; rebuilding from a major hit (collections, missed payments) can take 12-24 months. Utilization improvements can show in as little as one statement cycle.
What's the fastest way to raise my score before a mortgage?
Pay down revolving balances below 30% of limits (ideally before the statement cuts), clear any small collections, and stop applying for new credit. These move the needle fastest.
Should I pay off collections before applying?
Usually yes — many lenders require collections paid before funding. But check first: in some cases the strategy differs. We'll tell you exactly what your target lender needs.
Will checking my own credit hurt my score?
No. Checking your own credit is a 'soft pull' and never affects your score. Check both bureaus regularly — see Equifax vs TransUnion.
Can I still get a mortgage while I rebuild?
Often yes — a B-lender or private mortgage can fund now while you repair, then refinance to A-pricing. See bad-credit mortgage options.