Individuals · Action plan

Credit Improvement Plan

A focused sequence for raising a credit score: see what's actually being reported, fix what's wrong, lower how much of your available credit you're using, and build a clean payment streak.

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Steps

Work through each step in order

Check off a step as you complete it. Official links open in a new tab.

Step 1
Pull all three credit reportsGet your Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion reports free at the one federally authorized site.
- AnnualCreditReport.com (official, free)
Step 2
Circle every account you don't recognize or that looks wrongFlag incorrect balances, accounts that aren't yours, and late payments you believe were reported in error.
Step 3
File a dispute with the bureau and the furnisherDispute directly with the credit bureau reporting the error and with the company that reported it (the furnisher).
- CFPB: how to dispute an error on your credit report
Step 4
Calculate your credit utilizationAdd up all revolving balances divided by all revolving limits. Aim to keep this under 30%, ideally under 10%.
Step 5
Pay down the highest-utilization card firstPut extra payments toward the card closest to its limit — it moves your score the fastest.
Step 6
Pause new credit applicationsEach hard inquiry can ding your score slightly. Hold off on new cards or loans while you're rebuilding.
Step 7
Set autopay for at least the minimum on every accountOne 30-day-late mark can undo months of progress. Automate at least the minimum payment on everything.
Step 8
Consider a secured card or credit-builder loan if you have thin creditIf you have few accounts, a secured card or credit-builder loan from a credit union adds positive history.
Step 9
Recheck your score in 60–90 daysUtilization and dispute changes usually show up within one to two billing cycles. Recheck and adjust.