Quick Ways to Increase your FICO

Focus on the negative remarks with your FICO score. These are the main areas where your score could be higher.

Don't open accounts for the purpose of providing a better credit picture – it won't raise your FICO score it may even lower your score.

Pay all your bills on time. Delinquent payments, even if only a few days late, and collections will have a negative affect on your FICO score.


If you are having trouble making ends meet, contact your creditors or see a legitimate credit counselor. This will not improve your FICO score immediately, but if you can begin to manage your credit and pay on time, your score should increase over time. And seeking assistance from a credit counseling service will not hurt your FICO score.

Keep balances low on credit cards and other "revolving credit". High outstanding credit card debt can negatively impact your FICO score.

Pay off debt rather than move it around from one credit card to another. The most effective way to increase your FICO score in this area is by paying down your total revolving debt.

If you have had problems in the past, re-establish your credit history by opening new accounts responsibly and paying them on time.

Keep balances well under the credit limit.