Do you know about crash diets? Those where the doctor tells you that your health is decreasing more than your weight, hence you may face the consequences. A credit score is relatable to those diets. Yes, it may be possible to boost your credit score fairly, but progress speed is relative.

Boosting your credit score can be your best shot at times when it repays you. For example, optimal mortgage interest rates. Or when you need to ask the Bank for a loan. Your credit score will help the lenders to determine how good you are with your finances.

SNEAKY WAYS TO BOOST YOUR CREDIT SCORE:

If you have a considerably low score, don’t think it will never change. These baby steps will surely be challenging, but it will all be worth it. Once you know how your credit score works, you’ll see everything getting better.

So, where do you start? Firstly, obtain a copy of your credit report from a reporting bureau (Illion, Equifax or Experian). Reporting bureaus will provide you upon request your report annually – for free; however, if your score isn’t as good, you can request it at cost after every three months.

Then apply the following 10 sneaky ways to boost your credit score.

1.  CHECK ALL BILLS:
Mistakes happen all the time. You may have missed some payments when your finances got unstable due to Covid-19 or unemployment. Alternatively you may have made arrangements to rectify the missed payment within 14 days and despite making the payment, received a late payment notice. Ask your creditor to erase that record or file a dispute. But make sure that your creditor agrees to give you a letter for your records.

2.  SET SPENDING LIMITS:
Request your issuer to mention your credit limits. Make sure that limit is lower than it is now. You would not want to look like you use the card excessively. Credit utilisation and payment history are the two essential and necessary points where credit score is a concern.

3.  PAY THE BILL TWICE:
Split up the bill. In the case your limit is $2,000 and you had used it for a large expense i.e. car repair, airplane ticket in a particular month. It means you have charged nearly $1,800. Instead of making the payment altogether, pay once before the due date and second before statement closing. Doing this will help you to keep a good image in the bureau’s reports.

4.  TAKE OUT A NEW CREDIT CARD:
If you are new to credit, then one reason why you have a low score is due to a lack of exposure on your credit file. Taking out a line of credit, and making your repayments on time is a sure fire way to help you to raise that 3-digit score. However, be fully confident before taking on another credit liability. It can either be your best shot or your worst. If you can manage to pay bills on time and ensure that the overall card utilisation is not excessive, you could improve your score.

5.  INCREASE THE LIMIT:
Request your creditor to raise your credit card limit. If your limit increases and your balance remains the same, the credit score will get slightly better. However, be careful with your spending! Do not overuse it to pay for literally anything! Some issuers might help you if your finances were affected because of Covid-19.

6.  VISA/MASTERCARD DEBIT CARD:
If you’re young and just starting, you don’t have a poor history, so be careful with everything from paying bills and loans to utilisation ratio; everything matters. However, if you already have a poor credit record, you can take out a Visa/Mastercard debit card in place of a credit card. This way you are using your available funds while repaying outstanding cards, giving you a greater chance of improving your score.

7.  DON’T CANCEL CARDS:
Cancelling other cards is the last thing you want to do when you’re trying to boost your credit score. If your credit card isn’t costing you anything annually, leave it open. The utilisation ratio covers all opened cards, so even if you’re not using a card, it’s helping you balance out the one you are using.

8.  USE THE CARD LESS:
Yes! Do not use the card to pay for nearly everything. Know that credit utilisation ratio and credit score are inversely proportional. If one goes up, the other will definitely go down. 10% credit utilisation is the best for maximizing your credit score. The more use increases, the less your score gets.

9.  PAY BILLS ON TIME:
Your payment history is the most crucial part of the credit score. When lenders are reviewing your report, the first thing they notice is how responsibly you pay the bills. Moreover, almost 35% of your credit score depends upon a good history of your paid invoices. The lender will use your past performance to predict your future payments. So, use either automatic payments or calendar reminders. Just don’t miss any payments!

10.  COMBINE ALL OF IT:
Using several kinds of credits can raise your credit score. Use both accounts, revolving accounts and loan accounts. You can buy an appliance in installments, or you may take a personal loan from the credit union. However, ensure that you can repay them, according to their schedule. Adhere to the agreement that signed with the lender.

If you’re living from salary to salary or facing bankruptcy, and such, these ways might not help you entirely. Professional help is always a good option. Many certified credit counselors are assisting people in setting up a good credit score and maintaining it. Moreover, a professional service might help you in the long run too. So find a loyal, reputable credit counselor or counseling agency if necessary. Last but not least, stay persistent and stay optimistic.

A life without worries is wanted by many but lived by less. A good credit score can let you live a peaceful life too. This small three-digit number, credit score, has an powerful effect on our lives. From landlords to lending companies, a good credit score is essential to everyone.

Always remember that the key to sustaining a good score is regular report evaluation. These were the best tips to help you achieve that perfect credit score.