5 Simple Ways to Boost Your Credit Score Before the New Year

The end of the year is the perfect time to give your credit score a boost. Whether you’re planning to buy a home, finance a car, or simply want a stronger financial foundation heading into 2026, improving your credit now can make a big difference.

The good news? You don’t need to make major changes — just a few consistent habits can move your score in the right direction. Here are five simple ways to raise your credit score before the new year rolls in:

Review Your Credit Reports for Errors

Start by knowing exactly where you stand. You can access free credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Check for:

• Accounts you don’t recognize

• Late payments that should be current

• Duplicate or outdated information

If you spot errors, dispute them immediately. Inaccuracies can lower your score and may take several weeks to correct — so don’t wait!

Pro Tip: Use a credit monitoring tool like Credit Hero Score to track changes across all three bureaus and receive alerts when updates happen.

Pay Down Credit Card Balances

Your credit utilization ratio — how much of your available credit you’re using — is one of the biggest factors in your score. Aim to keep this number below 30%, and ideally closer to 10% for the best results.

If possible, make multiple payments throughout the month instead of waiting until your statement due date. This can help lower your reported balance and improve your score faster.

Make Every Payment On Time

It sounds simple, but payment history makes up 35% of your credit score. Even one late payment can have a big impact.

Set reminders, enable autopay, or use your bank’s bill pay feature to make sure nothing slips through the cracks — especially during the busy holiday season. Consistency is key when it comes to building trust with lenders.

Avoid Opening Too Many New Accounts

Each time you apply for new credit, it triggers a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your score. While one or two inquiries aren’t a big deal, several in a short period can send a red flag to lenders.

If you’re shopping for a loan, do your rate comparisons within a short time window (about 14–30 days). This way, it counts as a single inquiry for scoring purposes.

Keep Old Accounts Open

The length of your credit history also affects your score. Even if you don’t use an old credit card regularly, consider keeping it open to preserve your account age. Use it occasionally for small purchases and pay it off right away to keep it active.

Building your credit takes time, but small, smart moves now can lead to major improvements by the new year. Stay consistent, stay patient, and remember — every positive step counts.

Ready to monitor your progress and stay on top of your credit? Get started today with Credit Hero Score to track your credit scores and reports from all three bureaus in one place.