Build your credit, from no score or a low one
Start from where you are. Learn what moves your score, how long it usually takes, and what to do first.
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How long to reach my goal score?
A typical range based on what is on your file. Everyone's file is different.
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Enter 0 for no score yet.
A typical range
6 to 20 months
- Pay card balances under 30% of the limit, and under 10% if possible.
- Pay every bill on time. Payment history is about 35% of a FICO score.
A rule of thumb, not a promise. Every file is different.
A free review shows what lenders see on your report, so you know which of these steps to start with.
Start your free reviewThis is a soft credit pull, so it won’t impact your score.
This free tool gives a general estimate based on what you enter. The Credit Pros makes no representations or guarantees about any outcome.
Where are you starting?
You need an account that reports
- A secured card or a credit builder loan is the usual first account.
- Becoming an authorized user on a family card can add history fast.
- Most people get a first FICO score about 6 months after opening an account.
Fix the two biggest factors first
- Payment history is about 35% of your score. Every on-time month counts.
- Balances are about 30%. Paying cards down is the fastest lever.
- Check your report for errors. That may be a repair job, not a build job.
See how long it usually takes
- Pick your starting point and goal below.
- Big jumps come from lower balances and removed errors.
- Slow, steady gains come from age and on-time payments.
35%
of a FICO score is payment history
30%
is how much you owe
6 months
of history for most people to get a first score
From your score to your goal
Timelines and plans for the score you have and the one you want.
- How long from 0 to 600?
- How long from 0 to 700?
- How long from 580 to 700?
- How long from 650 to 700?
- How do I get to 740?
- How do I get to 780?
- What does a 641 mean?
- What does a 539 mean?
- Why did my score go from 524 to 0?
Common credit score questions
- Can I Get a Tesla (Financing) with a 500 Credit Score?
- Is a 600 Credit Score OK for Walmart Credit Card?
- Can I Rent to Own (500 Credit Score)? How Does It Work?
- Best Buy Credit Card: Approval with 620 Credit Score?
- Best Credit Card for 680 Score? (Top Options Listed)
- Can I Get Credit Cards (No Deposit) with a 400 Credit Score?
Guides for build credit
Start where you are. Everything here is free to read.
Just learning
The basics of build credit
Guide
Gym Membership and Credit Score: Can Missing Payments Hurt Your Credit?
Everyday bills and your score
Guide
Ultimate Guide for Adding Credit Tradelines to Your Credit Report
Authorized users and tradelines
Guide
Streaming Services and Credit Score: Do Subscriptions Help or Hurt Your Credit?
Everyday bills and your score
Making a plan
Tools and plans you can use today
Free tool
Ready for help
When you want us to handle it
How it works
Compare
Free review
Every build credit guide
How credit scores work 15
- FICO 10T vs VantageScore 4.0: What’s the Real Difference?
- Credit Score Updates: How Frequently They Really Happen
- Credit Scoring Models: FICO, VantageScore & More
- What Are the Key Credit Criteria Lenders Look At?
- Credit Score Factors: Understanding the Weight of Different Elements
- Credit Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction
- FICO Scoring Models - Best 3 Versions in 2023
- FICO Score 8 - An Exclusive Review
- Simple Yet Best Guide To FICO Score Vs. Credit Score In 2023
- FICO 10 & 10T: How To Outshine Any Updates?
- Credit Scores Can Be Different - Top 3 Reasons Why?
- VantageScore 4.0 - 3 Unique Features
- How Credit Scores Affect Interest Rates
- UltraFICO: A Brand New Credit Score That Could Save You Money
- Revealed! Why Your Credit Scores Suck: FICO Reason Codes
Debt payoff, relief and counseling 10
- How to Rebuild Credit After Debt Settlement
- Navigating Credit Card Hardship Programs
- Negotiating with Creditors: Tips for Successful Settlement
- Debt Snowball vs. Avalanche: Choosing Your Debt Payoff Method
- The Pros and Cons of Credit Counseling Services
- What is Debt Relief and How can it Help You
- How a Budget Can Boost Your Credit Score
- How Credit Counseling Supercharges Your Credit Score Impact
- Debt Consolidation - The Truths and Myths
- Why Did I Receive an IRS Form 1099-C?
Credit score ranges 8
- The 5 Key Credit Score Ranges Explained
- How to Improve Beyond a 730 Credit Score
- What Is the Average Credit Score by State?
- What to Expect With a 680 Credit Score?
- Is a 575 Credit Score Bad? 5 Unique Ways to Improve
- 850 Credit Score - Benefits of Perfect FICO Scores
- Why Maintain a High FICO Score?
- Why is the Maximum Credit Score 850?
Credit during life events 7
- Joint Credit Accounts: Managing Credit Scores in a Partnership
- The Gig Economy and Your Credit Score: What You Need to Know
- How to Protect Credit During Economic Downturns
- How Bad Credit Affects Military Security Clearance Eligibility
- How to Rebuild Credit Score After Natural Disaster: Key Strategies and Tips
- Managing Your Credit Score During Unemployment
- Rebuilding Credit After Divorce - Effective Ways
Start from no credit 5
Everyday bills and your score 4
Raise your score fast 4
Authorized users and tradelines 3
Credit utilization and balances 3
Payment history and late payments 3
Rent, utilities and bill reporting 3
Business credit 2
Credit age and closing accounts 2
Credit inquiries and new credit 2
Immigrants and newcomers 2
Student loans and credit 2
Students and young adults 2
Credit builder loans 1
Credit mix 1
Mistakes that lower your score 1
New scoring models and alternative data 1
Rebuild damaged credit 1
Common questions
How long does it take to build credit?
About 6 months for a first score. Getting to a good score usually takes a year or more of on-time payments.
Does checking my own score lower it?
No. Checking your own score is a soft inquiry and has no effect.
What is the fastest way to raise my score?
Pay card balances down and fix errors on your report. Both show up the next time your accounts report.
More credit help
See your credit through a lender’s eyes.
Get your free credit review to see where you stand. This is a soft credit pull, so it won’t impact your score.