Building a good credit score can be a slow process, but responsible credit practices can help you maintain the best score possible.
Pay on Time
First, always make on-time payments. This is the most important factor affecting your credit. Even if you can’t cover the entire balance by the end of the billing period, always pay the minimum payment to avoid negative dings to your credit. For the record, we never suggest you carry a balance if you can avoid it, but emergencies may arise.
Maintain a Low Balance and Keep Accounts Active
Next, maintain low balances. The lower your credit utilization rate—the percentage of available credit to your total revolving credit limit—the better for your credit score. Try to maintain balances below 30% of your available credit, but know that below 10% is even better.
The length of your oldest account matters, so don’t think you’re doing yourself a favor by closing older accounts. Even if you don’t use an old account, it may be worth keeping it open (especially if there’s no annual fee) to help your credit, just don’t forget to monitor the account for any fraud.
Keep a Good Credit Score
It’s much easier to maintain good credit than to rebuild credit after letting it fall. To maintain good credit, demonstrate responsible credit usage—continue making on-time payments, maintain low balances and keep older accounts open.