When you search “fix my credit score,” you’re not alone. Millions of Americans struggle with poor credit due to past mistakes, unexpected emergencies, or a simple lack of financial education. But here’s the good news: you can fix your credit score—and often faster than you think.
Your credit score is more than just a number. It’s a reflection of your financial habits and a key factor in determining your eligibility for mortgages, car loans, credit cards, and even employment in some industries. At Whatcom Credit Restoration, we believe everyone deserves a second chance to take control of their financial future. Let’s walk you through seven proven steps to fix your credit score and regain financial freedom.
Step 1: Check and Understand Your Credit Report
The first step in fixing your credit score is to know where you stand. You are entitled to a free credit report every year from each of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Here’s what to do:
- Request reports from all three bureaus.
- Review each report line-by-line for errors.
- Identify what’s hurting your score—late payments, collections, high balances, or hard inquiries.
Tip from Whatcom Credit Restoration:
Make note of any accounts that seem unfamiliar, inaccurate, or outdated. These could be hurting your score unnecessarily.
Step 2: Dispute Inaccuracies on Your Credit Report
According to the FTC, 1 in 5 Americans has an error on their credit report. These errors could cost you points on your score. You have the legal right to dispute any inaccurate or unverifiable items.
Common errors include:
- Misspelled names or incorrect addresses
- Duplicate accounts
- Incorrect payment statuses
- Accounts that don't belong to you
- Outdated collections or judgments
How to dispute:
- Contact the credit bureau directly (you can file disputes online).
- Provide documentation to support your claim.
- Keep records of all correspondence.
- Wait 30–45 days for investigation and response.
Expert Insight:
If you’re unsure how to dispute, Whatcom Credit Restoration offers professional credit repair services to make this process easier and more effective.
Step 3: Pay Down High Balances and Revolving Debt
Your credit utilization ratio—how much credit you’re using versus your total available credit—is a major factor in your credit score. Ideally, you want to use less than 30% of your credit limit on any card.
How to lower utilization:
- Pay down credit cards aggressively.
- Spread balances across cards if needed.
- Ask for a credit limit increase (without a hard inquiry).
- Avoid using your credit cards for new purchases while you’re paying down debt.
Example:
If you have a $1,000 credit limit, aim to keep your balance under $300. Better yet, under $100 for optimal impact.
Pro Tip:
Some scoring models favor those who keep utilization below 10%!
Step 4: Make On-Time Payments a Priority
Payment history is the most important factor in your credit score—it accounts for 35% of the total. Just one 30-day late payment can significantly damage your score and stay on your report for up to seven years.
To build a strong payment history:
- Set up automatic payments or reminders.
- Catch up on any past-due accounts.
- Contact creditors to ask for payment forgiveness if you missed a payment.
- Use tools like Experian Boost to report utility and phone bill payments.
Client Success Story:
A Whatcom Credit Restoration client improved their score by 110 points in 6 months simply by paying on time and staying current on all accounts.
Step 5: Don’t Close Old Accounts – Age Matters
Many people think closing old credit cards helps their score—it usually doesn’t. The length of your credit history accounts for 15% of your score, so older accounts actually help you.
What to do instead:
- Keep older accounts open and active.
- Use them periodically for small purchases.
- Pay them off immediately to avoid interest.
Important Note:
Closing a credit card can also increase your overall credit utilization, which may lower your score.
Step 6: Limit Hard Inquiries and New Credit Applications
Every time you apply for new credit, a hard inquiry is recorded. Too many inquiries in a short time can hurt your score and signal risk to lenders.
Smart strategies:
- Only apply for credit when necessary.
- Avoid store cards with high interest rates unless they offer substantial rewards.
- Space out applications by at least 6 months.
- Prequalify for credit without a hard inquiry when possible.
Hard vs. Soft Inquiries:
Hard vs. Soft Inquiries:
- Hard inquiry = affects score (e.g., credit card, auto loan).
- Soft inquiry = does not affect score (e.g., checking your own report, preapproval offers).
Step 7: Work with a Credit Restoration Expert
Credit repair doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Whatcom Credit Restoration, we specialize in helping clients dispute errors, negotiate with creditors, and build stronger financial habits. With professional support, you can:
- Develop a customized credit repair plan.
- Get help removing derogatory items.
- Receive coaching on budgeting and credit management.
- Monitor your progress regularly.
Why Choose Whatcom Credit Restoration?
- Transparent pricing
- No long-term contracts
- Real-time updates and client portal
- Proven track record of results
Our team is passionate about helping people like you get back on track and achieve your financial goals.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever typed “fix my credit score” into a search bar, you’ve already taken the first step toward financial freedom. Now, it’s time to take action. Your credit score doesn’t define your worth—but it does impact your ability to build the life you deserve.
By following the 7 steps outlined above and working with a trusted partner like Whatcom Credit Restoration, you can repair your credit, rebuild your confidence, and start creating the future you want.
Ready to say goodbye to bad credit?
Contact Whatcom Credit Restoration today for a free credit consultation and let’s fix your credit score together!
