How to Improve Your Credit Score in 30 Days Your credit score affects everything from loan approvals to rental applications. The good news? You don't need a year to make progress. Here's how to give your score a real boost—in just 30 days. 1. Pay Down Your Credit Card Balances High utilization (using too much of your credit limit) is a major factor hurting your score. Try to pay down balances to under 30% of your limit—or lower if possible. 2. Dispute Any Errors on Your Credit Report Check your credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com . If there are inaccurate accounts, late payments, or duplicates—file a dispute immediately. 3. Avoid Opening New Credit Accounts New credit inquiries can drop your score slightly. If you're trying to improve quickly, wait to apply for any new credit cards or loans. 4. Become an Authorized User Ask someone with good credit to add you to their credit card as an authorized user. Their on-time payment history ...