5 Simple Habits That Build 800+ Credit Scores

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1. Pay Off Your Balances In Full Each Time

If you’re still carrying a balance, thinking it helps your score. Nope, that’s a myth.

Paying your full balance every month keeps you debt-free and your credit score soaring.

Here’s why it works so well:

• You avoid interest, saving money that would’ve gone to fees.
  
• You show lenders you can handle credit responsibly.
  
• You keep utilization low, which makes up a big chunk of your score.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Pay your credit cards off in full before the statement date each month to report a $0 balance.

2. Pay Bills Consistently Every Month

One late payment can tank your score faster than you think.

Consistency is the secret ingredient behind every 800+ credit score.

Here’s why this habit is everything:

• You build trust with lenders who see you as reliable.
  
• You protect your score, since payment history is the biggest factor.
  
• You reduce stress, knowing nothing will slip through the cracks.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Set up autopay for at least the minimum on every bill, then manually pay the rest when you can.

3. Keep Your Accounts Active And Healthy

Closing accounts you don’t use might seem smart. But it can actually lower your score.

Lenders like seeing long, consistent credit relationships, not short-lived flings.

Here’s why keeping accounts open helps:

• You extend your credit history, which boosts your score.
  
• You keep your limit high, lowering your utilization percentage.
  
• You maintain stability, which makes lenders trust you more.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Use each credit card for one small recurring charge and pay it off monthly.

Make It Easy: Set a recurring low-cost subscription (like Spotify or Apple Music) on your older card to keep it active.

4. Avoid Unnecessary Hard Checks

Every time you apply for new credit, a hard inquiry dings your score a little.

Too many in a short period makes lenders think you’re desperate for money.

Here’s how you keep your score safe:

• You protect your rating, since fewer inquiries mean higher stability.
  
• You look more reliable, applying only when necessary.
  
• You stay focused, avoiding unnecessary cards or loans.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Only apply for new credit when it genuinely benefits you. Like better rewards or lower interest.

5. Watch For Mistakes On Your Credit Report

A small error on your report can quietly tank your score for months or years.

Staying proactive keeps your credit clean and your score climbing.

Here’s why this step matters so much:

• You catch inaccuracies early, before they cause long-term harm.
  
• You protect your identity, spotting fraud fast.
  
• You gain control, knowing exactly what’s being reported.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Review your credit report at least twice a year and dispute any errors immediately.

Make It Easy: Monitor your reports automatically with Credit Karma so you can spot changes instantly.

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