How to Get a 700 Credit Score FAST in 20 Steps

How to Get a 700 Credit Score Fast (And Laugh While Doing It)

Introduction: Why Your Credit Score Matters (Even If You’d Rather Pretend It Doesn’t)

So, you’re looking at your credit score, and it’s not exactly what you’d like to see. Maybe it’s 500. Maybe it’s 600. Heck, it could even be lower than your middle school GPA (which, let’s be honest, you didn’t really try on that English exam).

But listen, that number isn’t permanent. It’s just a number—a reflection of your financial habits up to this point. Think of it like a report card you forgot about for a while and suddenly remembered. Maybe you didn’t ace every test, but guess what? You can still turn things around.

Getting a 700 credit score is absolutely doable. It’s like climbing Mount Everest, but with the right gear (read: good advice, solid strategies, and a sprinkle of humor), it’s achievable in no time. Ready to take the journey? Good, because we’re about to transform that number into something you can be proud of.

Step 1: Check Your Current Credit Score

Before we start any plan, you need to know where you stand. And yes, that means checking your credit score. It’s like going to the doctor for a check-up—you’re not going to avoid it just because it might not be what you want to hear.

Where to Check Your Credit Score (For Free, Of Course)

You’ve got options when it comes to getting your score without paying for it:

AnnualCreditReport.com: Get one free credit report per year from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
Credit Karma: Provides free access to your score from TransUnion and Equifax. You can even track changes over time!
Credit Sesame: A free service that also gives you a snapshot of your score and offers monitoring.

Once you know where you stand, don’t freak out. This is just the starting point, and the good news is, you can absolutely fix things.

Step 2: Understand the Credit Score Factors

To improve your credit score, you need to understand what affects it. It’s not some magic number pulled out of thin air (though, I wish it were). Your credit score is made up of five key factors, each with its own weight.

Payment History (35%): Did you pay your bills on time, or were you too busy binge-watching The Office to make that car payment?
Credit Utilization (30%): How much of your available credit are you actually using? Aim to keep this ratio under 30%.
Length of Credit History (15%): The longer you’ve had credit, the better. It’s like building a relationship with someone—don’t ghost your creditors!
Credit Mix (10%): A variety of credit types shows that you can handle different kinds of debt responsibly.
New Credit (10%): Every time you apply for a new credit card, your score might dip temporarily.

Funny Side Note: Your credit score is like a sandwich. You can’t have too much of one thing (like payment history), and you need a little bit of everything (credit utilization, new credit) to make it taste just right.

Step 3: Pay Your Bills On Time, Every Time

This is the number one most important thing you can do to boost your credit score. Seriously. Payment history is worth 35% of your credit score. If you’re making late payments, you’re not only costing yourself fees, but you’re also tanking your credit score.

How to Stay on Top of Payments

Set Up Autopay: If you have trouble remembering when your bills are due, set them to autopay. You’re still paying, but now you don’t have to think about it.
Use Calendar Reminders: If you don’t trust autopay or prefer manual control, set phone alerts for when bills are due.
Consolidate Payments: If you’ve got several due dates each month, try consolidating them to one date so you’re not scrambling all over the place.

Funny Tip: Think of your bills like a game of whack-a-mole. As soon as one pops up, whack it down with a payment. If you ignore it, they’ll keep popping up, and nobody likes that.

Step 4: Lower Your Credit Utilization (Or, Stop Using All of Your Credit)

Credit utilization is another biggie—it accounts for 30% of your score. Essentially, if you’re using 80% of your credit limit, it’s a red flag to creditors. They’ll start wondering why you’re living on the edge of your credit limits.

How to Lower Your Credit Utilization

Pay Down Balances: This is the most direct approach. Paying off your cards, even in small amounts, will help lower your utilization ratio.
Request a Credit Limit Increase: If you’ve been responsible with your credit, ask for an increase. With a higher limit, your utilization ratio will drop even if you don’t change your spending habits.
Don’t Max Out Your Cards: Try to use no more than 30% of your available credit on each card. It shows that you can handle credit responsibly without going overboard.

Funny Perspective: Using 90% of your credit limit is like eating an entire pizza and then wondering why you feel bloated. It’s just too much.

Step 5: Don’t Close Your Old Accounts

The length of your credit history makes up 15% of your credit score. If you close an old account, it can hurt your score—so don’t do it! Even if you haven’t used a card in years, leaving it open will keep your credit history looking nice and long.

Why You Should Keep Old Accounts Open

The Longer, The Better: The older your accounts, the better it looks to lenders.
No Annual Fees? Keep It Open: If you’re not paying for the privilege of keeping the card, why not let it continue working for you?

Funny Thought: That old credit card you never use is like that friend who’s been around forever, and you never see them, but when you need them, they’re always there to help you out.

Step 6: Dispute Any Errors on Your Credit Report

You’d be surprised how many errors are on credit reports. Whether it’s a late payment that was actually on time or an account that isn’t yours, errors can negatively impact your score.

How to Dispute Errors

Gather Your Evidence: If you find an error, make sure you have any documents that support your case, such as receipts, bank statements, or emails.
File a Dispute: You can file disputes with the credit bureaus online, and they’ll investigate your claim.
Stay Persistent: If the error isn’t resolved quickly, don’t give up. Keep following up with the credit bureaus until it’s fixed.

Funny Tip: Disputing errors is like fighting for a refund at a store. Don’t take “no” for an answer—be persistent, and you’ll get your credit score looking better in no time.

Step 7: Avoid Opening New Credit Accounts (Unless You Really Need Them)

You might be tempted to open a new credit card because you’re feeling lucky, but resist that urge! Opening a new credit account can hurt your credit score temporarily. That’s right, it’s a little like eating cake before dinner—it sounds great, but there’s a catch.

Why Opening New Credit Cards Hurts Your Score

Each time you apply for credit, the issuer checks your credit report, which results in a “hard inquiry.” These inquiries stay on your report for two years and can cause a small dip in your score (typically 5-10 points). If you apply for multiple cards in a short period, it can look like you’re desperate for credit, which raises red flags.

That said, not all credit card applications are evil. If you’re planning to apply for a mortgage or car loan soon, one or two inquiries probably won’t make a significant difference. But if you’re on the path to 700, it’s better to hold off unless absolutely necessary.

Funny Perspective: Applying for too many cards is like trying to flirt with everyone at a party. Sure, you might get a few numbers, but everyone’s going to wonder why you’re not sticking with one person—your credit will get confused too!

Step 8: Become a Credit Card Jedi—Master the Use of Your Credit Wisely

So, you’ve got a credit card (or several). Great! But now the goal is to wield it like a true Jedi of credit, not a reckless Sith lord who uses the card for everything from pizza to an inflatable pool.

Master the Art of Credit Card Management

Pay Off Your Balances in Full: This is probably the most Jedi-like move you can make. Always pay your credit card balances in full before the due date to avoid interest charges and keep your credit utilization low.
Use Rewards Wisely: Many cards offer cashback, travel points, or other perks. Use those rewards like a pro—but don’t get carried away.
Avoid Late Fees: There’s nothing more Sith-like than late fees, so set reminders or use autopay to ensure you’re not late on payments.

Funny Thought: Using your credit card responsibly is like using The Force. It’s powerful when done right, but if you misuse it, it can get ugly fast. Use the Force for good, not for late-night pizza runs.

Step 9: Automate Your Credit Score Improvement

We all love a good routine, don’t we? It’s time to set up automatic payments and reporting to keep your credit on track without thinking about it every minute. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

How to Automate Your Way to a Better Credit Score

Set Up Autopay: Set up automatic payments for your bills—credit cards, loans, and utilities. This ensures you’re never late on a payment, keeping your payment history squeaky clean.
Monitor Your Credit: Services like Credit Karma or Credit Sesame provide free monitoring. They’ll let you know when there are changes to your credit score or reports.
Get Alerts for Due Dates: If you don’t like autopay, set reminders for when bills are due so you’re always ahead of the game.

Funny Tip: Automating your credit score improvement is like setting a crockpot dinner—just set it and forget it. The results are good, and you don’t even have to keep stirring the pot.

Step 10: Negotiate With Creditors Like a Pro

If you’ve been caught up in late payments or have accumulated debt that’s now dragging down your score, don’t give up. You have options. You can negotiate with creditors to settle debt, remove negative marks, or even adjust interest rates.

How to Approach Debt Negotiation

Be Honest: Don’t try to hide the fact that you’re in debt. A straightforward conversation is always better than dodging calls.
Ask for a Goodwill Adjustment: If you missed a payment by accident, ask your creditor if they’d be willing to remove the late payment from your credit report as a goodwill gesture.
Try Settling Debt: If you’re behind on payments, negotiate a lump sum to settle for less than what you owe, or ask for a more affordable payment plan.

Funny Perspective: Negotiating with creditors is like bartering at a flea market—sometimes, you need to haggle a little to get a better deal, but both sides can leave happy. Just don’t offer them three dollars for a vintage lamp—they’ll laugh you off.

Step 11: Consider a Credit Builder Loan

A credit builder loan is a great tool if you’re new to credit or working to fix your credit score. It’s not a loan in the traditional sense, but more of a forced savings account that reports to the credit bureaus.

How Credit Builder Loans Work

You borrow a small amount of money (typically $500 to $1,000) from a bank or credit union.
The loan is held in a savings account while you make monthly payments.
After you’ve paid off the loan, the funds are released to you, and the activity is reported to the credit bureaus, helping to build or improve your credit score.

Funny Thought: Think of a credit builder loan like a piggy bank that you can’t break open until you’re done doing the right thing. It’s like working out—painful at first, but it’ll pay off later when you see the results.

Step 12: Keep Your Credit Cards Open, But Don’t Use Them Too Much

I know, I know—keeping a credit card open and not using it feels like keeping a candy bar in the fridge for months. But trust me, it’s worth it.

Why Keep Cards Open (Even If You’re Not Using Them)?

Improve Your Credit History: Older accounts will boost your credit history length, which makes up 15% of your score.
Maintain Your Credit Utilization: If you’re not using your credit cards, your utilization stays low, and your score will benefit from that.

Funny Tip: Think of your unused credit cards as old friends. You don’t see them much, but when you do, they still have your back. Don’t ghost them—they’re there for you when you need them.

Step 13: Consider Getting a Secured Credit Card

A secured credit card is a great option if you’re trying to rebuild your credit. Unlike regular credit cards, you need to put down a deposit, which acts as collateral.

How a Secured Credit Card Works

Deposit: You make a deposit that serves as your credit limit. For example, you might deposit $200, and you’ll have a $200 credit limit.
Use Responsibly: Use the card like a regular credit card, but make sure to pay off the balance in full every month.
Graduate to an Unsecured Card: After a period of responsible use, the card issuer may offer to return your deposit and upgrade you to an unsecured card.

Funny Thought: A secured card is like putting down a deposit on a house. You’re showing you can manage things, and in return, you get the keys to a better credit future.

Step 14: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Sometimes, all you need is a little guidance from someone who’s been there before. Don’t be afraid to talk to a financial advisor or credit counselor to get back on track.

How Professional Help Can Help Your Credit

Financial Advisors: They can give you an action plan for paying down debt, building credit, and improving your score.
Credit Counseling Services: These services can help you create a debt repayment plan and negotiate with creditors.

Funny Perspective: Seeking help for your credit is like asking a GPS for directions. You could keep wandering around, or you could get a clear path to your destination.

Step 15: Be Patient (But Keep Going!)

Building your credit score is like growing a garden—it takes time, care, and patience. You won’t hit a 700 score overnight, but if you keep following the steps, your score will improve steadily.

Why Patience Is Key

The Score Doesn’t Change in a Day: It might take months for the changes to show up, but that’s okay.
Consistency Pays Off: The key to credit success is persistence. Keep making on-time payments and managing your credit wisely, and the results will come.

Funny Tip: Improving your credit score is like trying to train a cat. You can’t rush it, but if you stay consistent, eventually, you’ll see results.

Step 16: Remove Inaccuracies from Your Credit Report

You wouldn’t pay for a product that didn’t work, so why would you let errors on your credit report drag down your score? Mistakes happen, and your credit report isn’t immune to them. Luckily, you can fight back!

How to Find and Dispute Errors

Get Your Free Credit Report: Use sites like AnnualCreditReport.com to get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
Look for Mistakes: Check for any accounts you didn’t open, incorrect balances, or late payments that you don’t recognize.
Dispute Inaccuracies: If you find an error, file a dispute with the credit bureau. They’ll investigate the claim and remove the mistake if they find it’s inaccurate.

Funny Tip: Finding errors on your credit report is like finding a typo in your resume. Sure, it’s a little embarrassing at first, but once it’s fixed, your credit profile will look a lot better!

Step 17: Pay Off Debt Faster with the Debt Avalanche or Snowball Method

If you’ve got multiple credit cards or loans, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry—you can take control of your debt and pay it off faster with these two popular strategies: the debt avalanche and the debt snowball method.

How the Debt Avalanche Method Works

With the avalanche method, you focus on paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first. Once that’s paid off, you move on to the next-highest, and so on. This is mathematically the most efficient way to pay off debt.

How the Debt Snowball Method Works

The snowball method involves paying off the smallest debt first, regardless of the interest rate. Once the smallest debt is gone, you move on to the next smallest, and so on. This method can give you a sense of accomplishment and motivation, which helps some people stay on track.

Funny Perspective: The avalanche method is like tackling the biggest obstacle first—get that monster out of the way and then tackle the smaller ones. The snowball method is like rolling a tiny ball up a hill—it starts small, but eventually, it can turn into something huge!

Step 18: Use a Credit Monitoring Service to Stay On Top

Knowledge is power! And staying informed about your credit score and credit report can save you from nasty surprises. Credit monitoring services alert you to any changes in your credit report, such as new accounts, inquiries, or changes in your score.

Why Use Credit Monitoring

Monitor Your Score: A credit monitoring service will track your score’s progress and send you alerts when it changes.
Prevent Fraud: If someone opens credit in your name, monitoring can help you catch it early and prevent further damage.
Stay Ahead of the Game: You can identify areas for improvement and take action to raise your score faster.

Funny Tip: Think of credit monitoring like wearing a helmet when you ride your bike—it’s not glamorous, but it keeps you safe from falling into bad credit habits.

Step 19: Work on Your Credit Mix

Credit mix makes up 10% of your credit score, and while it may not seem like much, it can make a significant difference. Having a variety of credit types (credit cards, installment loans, mortgages) can demonstrate that you’re able to manage different kinds of credit responsibly.

How to Build a Healthy Credit Mix

Mix Credit Cards with Installment Loans: If you only have credit cards, consider taking out a small personal loan or auto loan to diversify your mix.
Avoid Unnecessary Debt: Don’t take out loans just for the sake of variety. Only borrow what you can afford and what makes sense for your financial goals.

Funny Perspective: Building a credit mix is like putting together a balanced diet—you don’t want to just eat pizza every day. A little variety in your credit accounts helps your score stay healthy and strong.

Step 20: Be Prepared to Wait for the Long-Term Results

I know, I know. You want your 700 credit score right now. But here’s the truth: good things take time. You won’t go from a 500 to a 700 overnight—credit scores are built over time.

Patience Is the Key to Success

Consistency Over Time: Keep making payments, monitoring your credit, and improving your financial habits.
Celebrate Small Wins: As your score rises slowly but surely, take note of the progress you’ve made.
Don’t Get Discouraged: If your score takes a dip after a small mistake, don’t panic. Just keep going, and your score will recover in time.

Funny Thought: Improving your credit score is like growing a tree. You plant the seed, water it, and wait. It won’t sprout overnight, but eventually, you’ll have a sturdy tree. And hey, it might even bear fruit (aka a great credit score).

Step 21: Build Credit Like a Pro with Authorized User Status

Want to boost your credit score fast? One sneaky (but totally legal) way to do it is by becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card. This allows you to piggyback on their positive credit history, which can help improve your score.

How Authorized User Status Works

Ask Someone You Trust: You’ll need to ask a friend or family member if they’re willing to add you as an authorized user on their credit card.
Benefit from Their Good Credit: As long as the primary cardholder has good payment history, their positive habits will reflect on your credit report.
Monitor Your Progress: Keep an eye on your score to see how much of a boost you get.

Funny Tip: Think of it as using someone’s Wi-Fi—while you’re not paying for the internet, you’re still benefiting from the fast connection. Just don’t be that person who uses all their data.

Step 22: Avoid Bankruptcy (Seriously)

As tempting as it might seem to declare bankruptcy and start fresh, it’s one of the most damaging things you can do to your credit. It’ll stay on your report for up to 10 years and will seriously set you back on your quest for a 700 score.

Bankruptcy’s Long-Term Consequences

Hard to Get Credit: After a bankruptcy, you’ll have a tough time getting approved for loans, credit cards, or even rental applications.
Lower Credit Score: Bankruptcy can drop your credit score by 100 points or more.
Public Record: It’s public information, which means anyone with access to your credit report will know you’ve filed for bankruptcy.

Funny Tip: Filing for bankruptcy is like throwing a big party at your house and then burning it down because you don’t want to clean up. It might feel good in the moment, but the aftermath is a total disaster.

Conclusion: You’ve Got This!

There you have it! By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to achieving that coveted 700 credit score. It may take time and patience, but remember, every step you take is a step toward improving your financial future. Whether you’re paying down debt, disputing errors, or getting advice from a credit counselor, each little action adds up.

Keep at it, and before you know it, you’ll be celebrating that 700+ score. And when that happens, you’ll look back on this journey and laugh at how much you’ve learned and grown. You’ve got this!