What moves your credit score

Paying on time is the most important thing you can do. Set autopay for at least the minimum so a busy month never becomes a missed payment. A single 30-day late can drop a strong score noticeably and lingers on your report.

This is how much of your available credit you're using. Keeping balances under about 30% of your limits — and ideally under 10% — signals you're not overextended. Paying down cards is one of the fastest ways to see movement.

Older accounts and a longer average age help. That's why closing your oldest card can backfire. Time is the main lever here — keep seasoned accounts open and active.

Managing different kinds of credit — a card, an auto loan, a mortgage — shows lenders versatility. Don't take on debt just for the mix, but a natural blend over time is a small plus.

Each application can add a hard inquiry and lower your average account age. A few over time is fine; many in a short window can look risky. Rate-shopping for one loan in a short window is usually treated as a single inquiry.