How to Improve Your Credit Score in 2026

Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your financial life. It influences the interest rates you pay on loans, your ability to rent an apartment, and even some insurance costs. The good news is that with consistent, smart habits, you can improve your credit score in 2026 and build long lasting financial confidence.

1. Always Pay Your Bills on Time

Your payment history is the single largest factor in your credit score, accounting for about 35 percent of your overall score. Even one late payment can stay on your credit report for years and negatively affect your score.

Tips to stay on track:

• Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders

• Prioritize on time payments for credit cards, loans, rent, and utilities

2. Keep Your Credit Utilization Low

Credit utilization measures how much of your available credit you are using. Keeping this number low shows lenders that you are managing your credit responsibly. Most experts recommend staying below 30 percent, with under 10 percent being ideal.

How to lower utilization:

• Pay balances before your statement closes

• If you use credit responsibly, ask your card issuer for a higher credit limit

• Make multiple payments during the billing cycle to reduce reported balances

3. Avoid Opening Too Many New Accounts at Once

Each time you apply for new credit, a hard inquiry is added to your credit report. Too many inquiries in a short period can lower your score.

Best practices:

• Only apply for new credit when it is truly needed

• If shopping for a mortgage or auto loan, compare rates within a short timeframe since most credit models group these inquiries together

4. Keep Older Accounts Open When Possible

The length of your credit history plays a role in your overall score. Older, well managed accounts help demonstrate long term reliability.

Why this matters:

• Closing old accounts can shorten your average account age

• It can also reduce your available credit and increase your utilization ratio

If an older credit card has an annual fee you no longer want to pay, consider calling your credit card company and request a switch to a card they offer with a lower or no annual fee instead of closing the account.

5. Review Your Credit Report Regularly

Mistakes on your credit report, such as incorrect balances or accounts that do not belong to you, can unfairly lower your score.

How to stay informed:

• Request free credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion through AnnualCreditReport.com

• Review them carefully and dispute any errors you find

6. Use Authorized User Status Carefully

If you are working to build or rebuild credit, becoming an authorized user on a trusted family member’s or friend’s credit card can help. Positive payment history on that account may be reflected on your credit report.

Be sure the primary cardholder has strong credit habits, since missed payments can also impact your score.

7. Maintain a Healthy Mix of Credit Types

Credit scoring models consider your credit mix, which includes both revolving credit like credit cards and installment loans such as auto or personal loans.

You do not need every type of credit, but responsibly managing different types over time can help strengthen your credit profile.

8. Stay Aware of Credit Scoring Changes

Credit scoring models continue to evolve. Some newer models may include data from Buy Now, Pay Later services. This means how you manage these payments could affect your credit score in the future.

Improving your credit score does not happen overnight, but small, consistent actions can make a big difference. Whether you are preparing for a major purchase in 2026 or simply want more financial flexibility, focusing on responsible credit habits can help you build a stronger financial future.