Why 30 Days Matters
A 20-point difference in your credit score can mean thousands over a 5-year loan.
Step 1: Pull Your Reports (Day 1)
Get your free credit reports from the major credit bureaus. Look for accounts you don't recognize, incorrect late payments, accounts wrongly reported as open.
Step 2: Dispute Errors (Days 1-7)
File disputes immediately. Bureaus have 30 days to investigate. One incorrect late payment can drop your score 50+ points.
Step 3: Reduce Utilization (Days 1-25)
Aim for under 30% utilization across all cards, ideally under 10%. Make extra payments mid-cycle so lower balances get reported.
Step 4: No New Credit
Every hard inquiry drops your score 5-10 points temporarily. No new applications for 30 days.
Step 5: Don't Close Old Accounts
Length of credit history matters. Keep old cards open with zero balance.