A strong credit score can make a big difference when it comes to buying a home or refinancing your mortgage. From securing a better interest rate to improving your loan approval chances, your credit profile plays a central role in your financial journey.
If you're hoping to make meaningful changes fast, the good news is there are several effective steps you can take to boost your credit score in a relatively short amount of time. Here’s how to get started.
One of the fastest ways to improve your credit score is to correct any inaccurate information on your credit reports. You can request free copies of your reports from all three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Common errors to look for:
If you find a mistake, file a dispute directly with the bureau reporting the error. Removing negative information that doesn’t belong there can raise your score.
Your credit utilization ratio—the percentage of your credit limit that you're using—is a major factor in your score. Ideally, keep your utilization below 30%, but dropping it under 10% can have a more significant impact.
For example, if your credit limit is $5,000, try to keep your balance under $500 for a potential score boost.
Making extra payments before your statement date or mid-cycle can also help lower your reported balance.
3. Avoid Applying for New Credit
Each time you apply for credit, a hard inquiry appears on your report. Too many hard inquiries in a short time can negatively impact your score.
If you're planning to apply for a mortgage in the near future, avoid new applications for:
Keeping your credit activity minimal shows lenders that you're not overextending yourself financially.
4. Ask for a Credit Limit Increase
A higher credit limit can improve your credit utilization ratio—without you needing to pay off debt. If your account is in good standing and you’ve been making on-time payments, your credit card issuer may approve a credit limit increase with just a soft pull.
Use this strategy wisely. The goal is to increase your available credit without increasing your spending.
5. Become an Authorized User
If someone you trust has a long-standing credit card with a positive payment history and low balance, you can ask to be added as an authorized user. This allows their good credit behavior to be reflected on your report, which can strengthen your score.
Make sure the card issuer reports authorized user data to the credit bureaus, and confirm that the account is being well managed.
6. Use Credit-Building Tools
Services like Experian Boost allow you to add utility, phone, and streaming service payments to your credit report. These on-time payments can improve your score—especially if your credit file is thin.
This is a free tool and results can appear in as little as a few days.
7. Always Pay Bills On Time
Payment history is the single most important factor in your credit score. Even one missed payment can set you back significantly.
To stay on track:
Consistent on-time payments will strengthen your score over time and prevent new dings on your credit report.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Improving your credit score is a smart move if you’re planning to buy a home or refinance your mortgage. At CPF Mortgage, we’re here to help guide you toward your financial goals. Even if your credit isn’t perfect, we have solutions that can help you move forward.
Explore our loan programs or contact us directly to speak with a loan expert who can answer your questions and walk you through the next steps.
Trusted Resources
We’ve included several reliable, non-competitor sources for deeper reading:
CPF Mortgage is your partner in home finance. Whether you’re just starting to build your credit or are aiming for a higher score before applying, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Reach out today!
