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Building a stronger credit score can feel overwhelming—but small, consistent habits can make a big difference over time. During National Credit Education Month, Michona Lookingbill shares practical tips for improving your credit score and building healthier financial habits for the future.

Your credit score plays an important role in your financial life. It can affect your ability to qualify for loans, interest rates, rental applications, and even certain job opportunities. The good news is that improving your credit score doesn’t require drastic changes—often, it’s the result of steady and responsible habits over time.

According to Lookingbill, one of the most important steps anyone can take is focusing on payment consistency.

Make Every Payment on Time

Payment history is one of the most significant factors that impacts your credit score. Even one missed payment can have a negative effect.

Setting up automatic payments or reminders can help ensure bills are paid on time each month. Consistent, on-time payments show lenders that you are reliable and responsible with credit.

Over time, this habit becomes one of the strongest contributors to a healthy credit profile.

Keep Credit Card Balances Low

Another important factor in your credit score is credit utilization, which refers to how much of your available credit you are using.

Experts generally recommend keeping balances below 30% of your credit limit. For example, if you have a credit card with a $1,000 limit, it’s best to keep the balance below $300.

Lower balances demonstrate that you are using credit responsibly without becoming overly dependent on it.

Avoid Opening Too Many New Accounts

While it may be tempting to open multiple credit accounts to increase your available credit, too many applications within a short period can negatively affect your score.

Each application typically results in a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your credit score. Opening several new accounts at once can also signal higher risk to lenders.

Instead, focus on managing your existing accounts responsibly.

Keep Older Accounts Open

The length of your credit history also plays a role in your score. Older accounts help demonstrate a longer track record of credit management.

Even if you don’t use an older credit card frequently, keeping the account open—while maintaining a low balance—can support the overall strength of your credit profile.

Monitor Your Credit Regularly

Reviewing your credit report regularly allows you to track your progress and identify any potential errors. Mistakes on a credit report can sometimes occur, and catching them early can prevent unnecessary damage to your score.

Monitoring your credit also helps you stay aware of how your financial habits are impacting your overall credit health.

Improving your credit score doesn’t happen overnight, but steady, responsible habits can lead to meaningful progress. Making payments on time, keeping balances low, limiting new credit applications, and monitoring your credit report are all simple steps that contribute to stronger financial health.

With patience and consistency, these habits can help you build a credit profile that supports your long-term financial goals.

Member FDIC | This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or other financial advice. Consumers should seek the advice of a financial advisor/professional, tax consultant, or legal counsel for their specific needs.