850 Credit Score? Cute Goal. Here’s What Actually Moves the Needle.
Thursday, March 27, 2025
850 Credit Score? Cute Goal. Here’s What Actually Moves the Needle.
You paid off the collections.
You got a secured card.
You check your score more than your bank account.
And somehow... you’re still in the 600s.
Here’s the truth no one wants to say out loud: most credit advice is a buffet of half-baked tips served by people who’ve never actually fixed a credit report.
Let’s fix that.
These are the 20 moves that actually raise your credit score—no fluff, no shady hacks, just strategy that works.
📈 The Basics You Can’t Ignore
1.) Never Miss a Payment
One late payment is like dropping a bowling ball on your score.
2.) Keep Your Credit Utilization Under 25%
The less you use, the better you look. Aim for “responsible, not needy.”
3.) Don’t Close Old Cards
Credit age matters. That 10-year-old Macy’s card? Keep it open.
4.) Space Out New Credit Applications
Every hard pull whispers “desperate.” Don’t be that guy.
5.) Set Up Auto-Pay
Because your brain doesn’t need one more reminder to pay Verizon.
⚡ Fast Wins (That Actually Work)
6.) Sign Up for Experian Boost
Turns your utility bills into score fuel. It’s stupid simple.
7.) Use eCredable or Self Financial
Report your rent, phone, and internet payments. Yes, those count.
8.) Add Your Rent with CreditRentBoost.com
Even if you pay your landlord by check or pigeon.
9.) Get a Chime Secured Credit Card
No fees, no gimmicks. Just clean, secured credit building.
10.) Become an Authorized User on Someone Else’s Card
Grandma’s good credit history? Ride that wave (responsibly).
🧠 The Long Game Strategy
11.) Know When Your Creditors Report
Pay your balance right before that date. It’s a timing game.
12.) Dispute Every Error
One wrong account can tank your score. Fight it like it owes you money (because it does).
13.) Use All 3 Credit Bureaus
One bureau always lags. Cover your bases.
14.) Mix Your Credit Types
Credit cards + car loans = balance. All cards? Meh.
15.) Keep Usage Low, Payments High
Credit scoring loves discipline. So does your future mortgage lender.
🔥 Advanced Moves (Aka: What They Don’t Teach)
16.) Don’t Pay a Collection Without a Game Plan
Paying it can actually lower your score unless you do it right.
17.) Ask for a Pay-for-Delete Letter
If you’re paying a collection, make them erase it. Don’t leave footprints.
18.) Use MyFICO Instead of Credit Karma
One shows your real score. The other just gives you hope.
19.) Don’t Obsess Over Daily Changes
Your score is a monthly mood ring. Track trends, not blips.
20.) Stick With It
Most people give up before the win. Stay consistent and boring—your score will thank you.
Final Thoughts
Credit isn’t magic. It’s math.
It’s also misunderstood, overcomplicated, and weaponized by people who benefit from you staying confused.
You can fix it. You can master it. And you can absolutely hit 850—if you stop doing what everyone else is doing.
Need help making sense of your current score?
📱 Text me at 615-955-0461 and let’s make a plan.
- Keith G.
