Checklist #04 · Credit
Credit Score Improvement
Identify the exact levers — utilization, payment history, inquiries — that move your credit score, and take action in the right sequence.
26 action items~20 min to complete5 sections
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0/23
completed
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Overall progress0 of 23 items
📊
Know Your Baseline
0/4 completed
Pull your free credit reports from all three bureausAction
Note your current credit score from each bureauKey
Identify your score range and the gap to your target
Review the 'reason codes' on your score reportsKey
⭐
35%
of FICO score is payment history — the single biggest factor
30%
of FICO score is credit utilization — the fastest thing you can change
🔍
Find and Fix Errors
0/4 completed
Check every account for accuracy: balance, status, payment history
Identify any accounts that aren't yoursWatch out
Dispute all inaccurate items in writing with the bureau reporting themAction
Follow up on disputes and confirm removals are reflected
📉
Reduce Credit Utilization
0/5 completed
Calculate your current utilization ratio per card and overallKey
Target below 30% utilization on each card — ideally below 10%Key
Pay down highest-utilization cards firstAction
Ask for a credit limit increase on existing cards (without a hard inquiry)
Avoid closing old cards with zero balanceWatch out
✅
Protect Payment History
0/4 completed
Set up autopay for at least the minimum on every accountKey
Set calendar alerts 5 days before each due date as a backup
Bring any past-due accounts current immediatelyWatch out
Negotiate 'pay-for-delete' with collection agencies where possible
🏗️
Build Positive History
0/6 completed
Keep your oldest credit card account open and occasionally active
Avoid applying for new credit in the 6 months before a major applicationWatch out
Consider a secured card or credit-builder loan if you have thin creditAction
Add to authorized user status on a family member's old, well-managed account
Monitor your score monthly and track progress
Allow 3–6 months for changes to meaningfully move your scoreKey