A good credit score is one of the most important tools for building financial stability. It can help you get approved for loans, secure lower interest rates, rent an apartment, or even land certain jobs. In the United States, the average credit score is around 714, but many people are working to improve theirs. The good news is, you can raise your credit score by making smart, consistent changes. Here are 10 proven tips to help you build your credit score quickly and set yourself up for long-term financial success.

1. Understand What Makes Up Your Credit Score
Before you start making changes, it’s important to know what affects your score. The five main factors are payment history, credit utilization, credit age, credit mix, and new credit inquiries. Payment history makes up 35% of your score, so paying on time is critical. Credit utilization, or the percentage of credit you use compared to your limit, is another major factor. Knowing these pieces helps you focus on what matters most.

2. Always Pay Bills On Time
The single biggest influence on your score is whether you pay your bills on time. Even one late payment can drop your score by dozens of points. Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders to make sure you never miss a due date. If you ever fall behind, catch up as soon as possible because recent payment history carries more weight than older mistakes.

3. Keep Your Credit Utilization Low
Credit utilization is the ratio of your credit card balances to your credit limits. Keeping it below 30%, and ideally under 10%, shows lenders you manage credit well. For example, if your card limit is $1,000, try to keep your balance below $100 for the best results. You can lower utilization by paying your card balance before the statement date or asking for a credit limit increase.

4. Avoid Closing Old Credit Accounts
The length of your credit history makes up about 15% of your score. When you close old accounts, you shorten your average credit age, which can hurt your score. Unless an account has high fees you can’t justify, it’s usually best to keep it open, even if you don’t use it often.

5. Limit Hard Inquiries
A hard inquiry happens when a lender checks your credit because you applied for a loan or credit card. Each one can slightly lower your score, especially if you have several in a short period. Try to space out credit applications, and when possible, check if you can get pre-approved with only a soft inquiry, which doesn’t affect your score.

6. Diversify Your Credit Mix
Having a mix of different types of credit can help your score. Lenders like to see that you can manage both revolving credit, like credit cards, and installment loans, like car loans or personal loans. You don’t need to take on unnecessary debt, but if you only have one type of credit, adding another in a responsible way could help.

7. Monitor Your Credit Report Regularly
You can get a free copy of your credit report every year from each of the three major bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review your reports to make sure there are no mistakes or fraudulent accounts. If you find errors, dispute them right away. There are also free credit monitoring tools and apps that can alert you to changes in your score.

8. Become an Authorized User on Someone Else’s Account
If a family member or close friend has a credit card with a long history and a perfect payment record, ask if they can add you as an authorized user. Their good history will appear on your credit report, potentially boosting your score. Just make sure they use their credit responsibly, or it could have the opposite effect.

9. Use Secured Credit Cards if You Have No Credit
If you’re starting from scratch or rebuilding after past mistakes, a secured credit card is a great tool. You make a deposit, which becomes your credit limit, and then use the card just like a regular credit card. Paying on time and keeping your balance low will help you qualify for a regular unsecured card in the future.

10. Stay Consistent—Credit Growth Takes Time
Improving your credit score is a long-term process. There are no overnight fixes, but consistent good habits will pay off. Set small monthly goals, like lowering your utilization or paying down a specific debt, and track your progress. Over time, you’ll see your score improve and your financial opportunities grow.

A good credit score can make life more affordable and open up more choices for your future. Start with these tips, stick with them, and you’ll be on your way to stronger credit and better financial health.