Do you know how to build your credit?

8 Smart Ways to Build Your Credit

Building credit takes time, but small, consistent steps can make a big difference. Here are 8 proven ways to boost your score:

1️⃣ Check your credit report  – Spot errors early and dispute them to protect your score.
2️⃣ Use credit monitoring  – Get alerts about changes or fraud so you can act fast.
3️⃣ Know what you owe – Tackle debts with a payoff plan or consider consolidation.
4️⃣ Set up Direct Debits  – Never miss a payment and build a positive history.
5️⃣ Pay twice a month  – Extra payments reduce balances faster and cut interest.
6️⃣ Ask for a credit limit increase – Lowers utilisation (but expect a temporary dip).
7️⃣ Mix it up – A healthy blend of credit cards, loans, or mortgages looks good to lenders.
8️⃣ Join Credit Build Plus  – A simple way to improve your profile with no hard check.

✅ Remember: the goal is steady progress, not quick fixes. Stick with these habits, and your credit will grow stronger over time.

5 Key Factors That Affect Your Credit Score

Your credit score is shaped by a few main factors:

1️⃣ Payment history  – The biggest factor. Always aim for on-time payments (late ones can stay for up to 6 years!).
2️⃣ Credit utilisation  – Keep your card use below 25% of your limit for a healthier score.
3️⃣ Credit history length  – The older your accounts, the better. It shows long-term reliability.
4️⃣ Credit mix  – A balance of cards, loans, and mortgages shows you can handle different types of credit.
5️⃣ Recent applications  – Too many hard checks can lower your score. Aim for no more than 2 in 6 months.

Focus on these habits and your score will grow stronger over time.

 Pitfalls to Avoid When Building Credit

Improving your credit takes time. Quick fixes can backfire, so watch out for these common mistakes:

❌ Don’t apply for lots of new cards – Too many hard checks make you look risky.
❌ Don’t take out loans you don’t need – A “credit mix” isn’t worth extra debt.
❌ Don’t carry a balance on purpose – It costs you interest and can hurt your utilisation.
❌ Don’t close old cards too soon – Keeping them open helps your credit history (unless fees or overspending are an issue).

Slow and steady habits are the safest way to grow your credit score.

Want to find out more information about how you can build your credit score?

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