Quick wins (weeks)
- Register on the electoral roll
- Correct errors on all three credit files
- Remove financial links to ex-partners
- Pay down card balances below 30% of limits
Medium term (months)
- Set up direct debits for every minimum payment
- Avoid new credit applications for six months
- Keep older accounts open and active
- Add rent payments where your landlord or a service reports them
Long term (years)
- Let missed payments age, as their effect fades over six years
- Build a steady history of on-time payments
Common questions
How fast can my score improve?
Some changes appear within one to two months as lenders update reports. Negative records take longer to fade.
Do credit builder cards work?
Used carefully and cleared in full each month, they can help build a positive history.
This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. If you are worried about debt, free help is available from MoneyHelper, StepChange and Citizens Advice.