Basics
- Check your credit report (free at annualcreditreport.com); dispute errors.
- Pay all bills on time; set up autopay for at least the minimum.
- Keep credit card balances low relative to limits (under 30%, lower is better).
Build history
- Use a credit card sparingly and pay in full to show consistent use.
- Become an authorized user on someone else's card if they have good history.
- Avoid closing old cards; length of history matters.
What to avoid
- Don't open many new accounts at once (hard inquiries).
- Don't ignore collections; address them or negotiate pay-for-delete if possible.
- Don't co-sign unless you're willing to pay the debt.