Credit Score Improvement: 90-Day Action Plan

Boost your credit score in 90 days with proven strategies. Step-by-step plan to fix errors, optimize utilization, and build positive credit history.

Improving your credit score doesn't have to take years. With the right strategy and consistent action, you can see meaningful improvements in just 90 days. This comprehensive plan provides specific steps to maximize your credit score quickly and sustainably. ## Understanding Credit Score Factors **Payment History (35%)** - Most important factor - Late payments stay on report for 7 years - Recent payments matter more than old ones - Even one missed payment can drop scores significantly **Credit Utilization (30%)** - Percentage of available credit used - Calculated per card and overall - Lower is always better - Best to keep under 10% for excellent scores **Length of Credit History (15%)** - Average age of all accounts - Age of oldest account - Don't close old accounts unnecessarily - Authorized user accounts can help **Credit Mix (10%)** - Types of credit (cards, loans, mortgage) - Not necessary to carry debt - Natural mix develops over time - Don't open accounts just for mix **New Credit (10%)** - Recent credit inquiries - New accounts opened - Hard inquiries stay on report 2 years - Multiple inquiries for same loan type count as one ## 90-Day Credit Improvement Plan ### Days 1-7: Foundation and Assessment **Get Your Credit Reports** - AnnualCreditReport.com (free official site) - Review all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) - Look for errors, incorrect information, or identity theft - Note all negative items and their ages **Check Your Credit Scores** - Use free services (Credit Karma, Credit Sesame) - Check FICO scores if available - Note score differences between bureaus - Establish baseline for tracking improvement **Create Account Inventory** - List all credit cards with balances and limits - Note all loans and their payment status - Identify accounts with high utilization - Check for unauthorized accounts ### Days 8-14: Dispute Errors and Inaccuracies **Common Errors to Look For:** - Incorrect payment history - Wrong account balances -