
In 2025, having a high credit score will be more crucial than ever. Whether you’re applying for a loan, renting an apartment, or even landing a job, your credit history can open doors—or close them. The good news? There are simple ways to raise your score. Here are 20 practical credit score hacks to help you boost your credit score this year.
Key Takeaways
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Consistently paying bills on time is crucial for maintaining and improving your credit score.
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Keeping your credit card balances low relative to your credit limits helps boost your score.
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Regularly reviewing your credit reports allows you to catch and correct errors or fraudulent activity.
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Limiting new credit applications and keeping old accounts open can positively impact your credit history.
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Using tools like autopay, payment alerts, and credit monitoring services makes managing your credit easier and more effective.
1. Pay Every Bill On Time, Every Time
Your credit score is primarily influenced by your payment history. To ensure that you never forget a deadline, set up automatic payments or reminders. A single late payment can have a big effect.
2. Lower Your Credit Utilization Ratio
Aim to maintain your credit card debts at less than 30% of your total credit limit. If possible, aim for 25% or less. Paying down existing debt or requesting a higher credit limit can help lower your utilization quickly.
3. Review Your Credit Reports Regularly
Mistakes happen. Check your credit reports from all three bureaus at least once a year to spot errors or fraudulent activity. Dispute any inaccuracies you find to ensure your score reflects your true credit behavior.
4. Set Up Autopay for Recurring Bills
Automating payments on recurring bills like utilities and phone plans helps you avoid accidental late payments, which can drag down your score.
5. Limit New Credit Applications
A hard inquiry is added to your report each time you apply for new credit, which may momentarily reduce your score. Credit should only be applied for when absolutely necessary.
6. Keep Old Credit Accounts Open
The age of your credit accounts matters. Even if you don’t use an old card, keeping it open can help your average account age and overall score.
7. Diversify Your Credit Mix
Having both revolving credit (like credit cards) and installment loans (like car or student loans) shows lenders you can handle different types of credit responsibly.
8. Become an Authorized User
Request that a dependable friend or relative connect you to their well-managed credit card as an authorized user. Their track record of on-time payments can improve your credit score.
9. Use a Secured Credit Card to Build Credit
If you’re starting out or rebuilding, a secured credit card can be a great tool. Make responsible use of it, settle the balance in full each month, and observe how your score rises.
10. Get Credit for Rent and Utility Payments
There are currently services that notify credit bureaus of your utility and rent payments. Signing up can help you build credit with payments you’re already making.
11. Pay Credit Card Bills More Than Once a Month
Making multiple payments throughout the month can keep your balances lower and improve your utilization ratio, which can positively impact your score.
12. Negotiate Higher Credit Limits
Request a higher limit from your card issuer if your credit or income has improved. This can instantly lower your utilization ratio, provided you don’t increase your spending.
13. Avoid Closing Unused Credit Cards
Your credit history may be shortened and your available credit is decreased when you close a card. Unless there’s a good reason (like high annual fees), keep those accounts open.
14. Dispute Negative Items Strategically
If you find old or incorrect negative marks on your report, dispute them. Removing even one negative item can make a big difference.
15. Consolidate Debt If It Makes Sense
Debt consolidation can simplify your payments and potentially lower your interest rates, making it easier to pay down balances and improve your credit.
16. Consider a Side Hustle to Pay Down Debt Faster
Extra income from a side job can help you pay off debt more quickly, lowering your credit utilization and boosting your score.
17. Get a Cosigner for Installment Loans
A cosigner with excellent credit can be helpful if you’re having trouble being approved for a loan. On-time payments will benefit both you and your cosigner.
18. Set Up Payment Alerts and Reminders
Use apps or calendar alerts to remind you of upcoming due dates, helping you avoid late payments and maintain a positive payment history.
19. Avoid Maxing Out Credit Cards
Try not to use your full credit limit. Even if you pay them off every month, high balances might still lower your credit score.
20. Monitor Your Score with Free Tools
To keep track of your progress, identify issues early, and maintain motivation throughout your credit journey, take use of free credit monitoring services.
Conclusion
The key to raising your credit score in 2025 is to be consistent and adopt wise behaviors. Start with a few of these hacks, and you’ll see progress over time. Remember, even small changes can have a big impact. Have a tip that worked for you or a question about credit scores? Share it in the comments below! check your Personal Financial Scores.