How I Fixed My Credit Score in Under 6 Months (And How You Can Too)

If you would have told me a year ago that I’d have a good credit score, I would’ve laughed. I used to avoid checking it — the number made me feel overwhelmed, stuck, and honestly, a little ashamed. But I decided enough was enough. I gave myself six months, a clear plan, and a little discipline — and it worked. My score went up by over 100 points, and now I want to show you how I did it.

Step 1: I Faced the Number

The first thing I did was rip off the Band-Aid. I downloaded the free Credit Karma app, signed up for Experian Boost, and checked where I stood. My score was in the low 500s. Seeing that number gave me clarity. No more guessing, no more fear. Just a starting point. If you’re looking to raise your credit score fast, knowing your number is the first move.

Step 2: I Stopped Using My Credit Cards (But Didn’t Close Them)

I had three credit cards, all nearly maxed out. Instead of closing them (which can hurt your credit), I stopped using them and made a plan to pay them down.

Here’s what I did:

• I called and asked each issuer if I could set up a payment plan.

• I created a spreadsheet with each balance, interest rate, and minimum payment.

• I focused on the smallest balance first (the snowball method) for quick wins.

Step 3: I Made Every Single Payment On Time

This was a non-negotiable. Even if I had to sacrifice some extras that month, I always made at least the minimum payments. I set up auto-pay reminders and treated due dates like rent.

Late payments can tank your score fast — making payments on time was the single most important change I made.

Step 4: I Used Experian Boost to Add On-Time Bills

Experian Boost let me get credit for on-time utility, Netflix, and phone bill payments. It’s free, and within a few days of signing up, I saw a small bump in my score. It's an easy way to get rewarded for bills you’re already paying.

Step 5: I Opened a Secured Credit Card

With my low score, I didn’t qualify for regular credit cards, but I was approved for a secured credit card. I deposited $200 and treated it like a debit card — only using 10–15% of my limit, and paying it off in full every month.

This was a game changer. After three months, my score started climbing steadily. It's a great starter tool for credit building.

Step 6: I Watched My Utilization Like a Hawk

One thing I didn’t know before: credit usage matters a lot. The goal is to use less than 30% of your available credit. If your limit is $1000, don’t carry more than $300 on it.

Once I paid down my cards, I kept balances low — and even called one company to ask for a credit limit increase (which they granted!). Lower utilization = higher credit score over time.

Step 7: I Kept Monitoring + Didn’t Give Up

Some months my score barely moved, other times it jumped. What mattered was consistency. I checked my report every 2 weeks, kept paying, and celebrated the progress.

Final Thoughts:

Fixing your credit isn’t glamorous, but it’s empowering. I went from being scared to open my credit app to applying for my first travel rewards card — and getting approved.

If you’re serious about changing your financial future, commit to the next 6 months. Face your numbers, make a plan, and don’t let one mistake knock you off track.

You don’t have to be perfect — just consistent. If I can do it, you absolutely can too.

P.S. If you want to track your credit repair plan, grab my free printable credit tracker below.

FAQs About Fixing Your Credit Score

How long does it take to raise your credit score 100 points?
With consistent payments and smart usage, I raised mine in under 6 months. Results vary, but many people see major changes in 3–6 months.

Does Experian Boost really work?
Yes! It gave me a small bump by counting utility and streaming service payments that wouldn't normally be included in your report.

Should I close unused credit cards?
No — keeping them open helps your credit utilization ratio and average account age, both of which impact your score positively.

Can I really fix my credit on my own?
Absolutely. Everything I did was free and based on consistent effort. No expensive credit repair services required.

Where can I learn more about budgeting or managing money?
Check out my blog post: [How to Create a Budget That Actually Works] and download my free guide: [100 Ways to Make $100 a Day].