How to Build Your Credit

1. 1

   Phase 1

   Know Your Starting Point

   Weeks 1–2
   • Pull your free reports at annualcreditreport.com
   • Identify your score range and which factors are dragging it down
   • List every negative item with its date
   • Calculate your overall utilization percentage
2. 2

   Phase 2

   Fix the Fast Wins First

   Weeks 2–8
   • Pay down balances to get utilization under 30% — the fastest score move
   • Target 10% for maximum benefit
   • Dispute any item you believe is inaccurate, and check whether older collections are past your state’s reporting window
   • Do not apply for anything new yet
3. 3

   Phase 3

   Build the Foundation

   Months 2–6
   • Open a secured card if you have none — see the current card list
   • Pay the full balance every month
   • Request a credit limit increase at 6 months
   • Add a second account if your score allows
4. 4

   Phase 4

   Optimize and Graduate

   Months 6–18
   • Space applications 6+ months apart
   • Use the cleanest bureau for each application
   • Ask about upgrading your secured card to unsecured at 12 months — not every issuer offers this, so check yours
   • Add a credit-builder loan for credit mix
5. 5

   Phase 5

   Cross 670

   Months 12–24
   • Follow the score milestone plan: 580 → 620 → 650 → 670
   • At each milestone, know what changes and what it unlocks
   • Open your first rewards card at 670+

Ranked by math. Not by margin. Timelines are typical, not promised — your own pace depends on what is on your reports.