If you've been told to “just pay your bills on time” to fix your credit, you’re not alone. But if that advice hasn’t helped you much—or if your credit score still isn’t where you want it to be—there’s good news: You’re not stuck.
Improving your credit score in 2025 is easier, faster, and more accessible than ever before. With smarter tools, flexible credit products, and more ways to get credit for things like rent and utilities, building strong credit is no longer just about credit cards and loans.
This guide walks you through real-world strategies to boost your credit score, correct common mistakes, and build financial habits that lenders actually want to see. And the best part? Most of these changes can be started today.
.png)
Your credit score isn’t just about qualifying for a credit card. It can affect:
A strong credit score—usually 700 or above—can save you thousands over your lifetime in interest and fees. Here’s a quick breakdown of FICO score ranges:
Maria is 27, makes consistent rent payments, and pays her bills on time. But her credit score has hovered around 620. She didn’t realize her student loan balance and high credit utilization were holding her back. By making small tweaks—like spreading payments across billing cycles, reporting her rent through a rent reporting service, and lowering her credit use—Maria saw her score jump over 40 points in three months.
Mistakes on credit reports are more common than you think. Get free reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com and look for:
Dispute any errors online. It’s fast, and if corrected, your score could improve within 30 days.
Your credit utilization (how much credit you're using versus what’s available) makes up 30% of your score. To improve it:
Late payments hit your score hard. Automate what you can, and use calendar reminders for the rest. On-time payments are the single most important factor in your credit score (35%).
Even if you don’t use them much, old accounts help your average credit age and credit mix. Unless there’s an annual fee or another downside, keep them open to help your history look stronger.
In 2025, more tools are available to help you get credit for the bills you already pay. Services like Homebody’s Rent Credit Reporting can add positive history to your credit profile. Some utility companies now offer similar programs.
If you’re building credit from scratch or rebuilding after damage, a secured credit card is a great starting point. Put down a deposit, keep usage low, and pay on time. Many issuers now review secured card use for graduation to unsecured credit within 6–12 months.
Use one of these payoff methods:
Each hard inquiry can lower your score by a few points and stays on your report for two years. Avoid multiple applications in a short time unless absolutely necessary.
Credit-builder loans (offered by many credit unions and fintech apps) hold the borrowed money in an account while you make monthly payments. Once paid off, the money is released to you—and you’ve built positive credit history along the way.
If your score has improved or you’ve had an account open for six months or more, you might qualify for a higher limit. This can lower your credit utilization—but only works if you don’t increase spending.
Many banks now offer free FICO or VantageScore updates in your online account dashboard. Monitoring your score helps you catch issues early and stay motivated as you build.
No bank offering it? Consider using a reputable app like Credit Karma or Experian Boost to track your credit in real time.
Focus on the first two categories—they make up 65% of your score.
Improvements can happen fast. If you're catching up on late payments, reducing credit usage, or correcting errors, you could see movement in 30–60 days. For major changes, give it 3–6 months of consistent effort.
Homebody offers more than renters insurance. It helps you build credit in the background with tools like:
If you're paying rent each month, why not use it to boost your score? Homebody makes it easy to turn everyday habits into long-term financial wins.
You don’t need to be a financial expert to improve your credit score. With the right tools and a few smart habits, you can start seeing results quickly—and open doors to better loans, housing options, and peace of mind.
Don’t wait for a rejection letter to find out your credit needs help. Start building smarter credit today, and let every payment, every decision, and every tool work in your favor.
At least annually. You're entitled to a yearly free report from the three major credit bureaus.
Contact the respective credit bureau and provide them with evidence supporting your claim. They're obligated to investigate within 30 days.
No, checking your score is considered a soft inquiry and doesn't affect the score.
How to raise your credit score quickly (30 days or less)?
Follow the suggestions in this guide and sign up with Homebody to streamline your finances, including insurance policies, security deposit alternatives, and much more. If you need more clarity at the first instance, go over the guide again.
Making frequent on-time payments and maintaining low credit card balances are the two best ways to raise your credit score quickly.
Additionally, keeping various types of credit and routinely checking your credit reports for inaccuracies might help your score rise over time.
Paying off collections doesn't necessarily increase your credit score, as the record of your debts may remain on your credit report for up to seven years.
However, some newer credit scoring models do not penalize you for paid-off collections.
Do new credit cards affect your credit?
Obtaining a new credit card can positively and negatively affect your credit. While it might improve your credit mix and increase your credit utilization percentage, it also generates a hard inquiry on your accounts, which could temporarily lower your credit score.
If you’re at risk of lowering your credit before a major purchase, it’s highly advised that you wait until you’re approved before getting any new lines of credit.
In conclusion, while improving your credit score requires time and diligence, the benefits of a higher score are manifold.
Whether aiming for a new home, car, or personal loan, a better score ensures you get the best terms possible. Homebody is your best bet. We are waiting for you to visit already.
Chose Homebody. Choose Peace.
