Your Credit Score Is Wrong. Here's How to Fix It in 45 Days.

Why Your Score Is Probably Lower Than It Should Be

Credit scores are calculated by algorithms that most people don't understand. The result: most people optimize the wrong things and leave points on the table.

How FICO Scores Are Calculated

• 35% — Payment history (most important)
• 30% — Credit utilization (how much of your limit you're using)
• 15% — Length of credit history
• 10% — Credit mix
• 10% — New credit inquiries

The 5 Moves That Actually Work

1. Pay Before Your Statement Closes

Most people pay their credit card by the due date. Pay it before the statement closes instead. This reports a near-zero balance to the bureaus, which crushes your utilization ratio and can add 20-50 points.

2. Request a Credit Limit Increase

Call your card issuer and request a limit increase without a hard pull. A higher limit on the same spending = lower utilization = higher score. Works best if you've had the card 6+ months with on-time payments.

3. Dispute Errors (There Are More Than You Think)

One in five credit reports has an error significant enough to affect the score. Pull your reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute anything inaccurate directly with the bureaus.

4. Become an Authorized User

Ask a family member with excellent credit to add you as an authorized user on their oldest, highest-limit card. Their history gets added to your report. You don't even need to use the card.

5. Don't Close Old Accounts

Closing a credit card reduces your available credit and can shorten your average account age — both hurt your score. Keep old cards open with a small recurring charge and auto-pay.