How to Build Your Credit in 6 months

Why Should You Start Building Your Credit?

Building your credit is important for establishing financial stability and achieving your financial goals. Good credit gives you the opportunity to have access to loans, rent an apartment, or even secure a job. Also, the higher your credit score, the more likely you will be approved for new credit and access lower interest rates. However, building your credit in six months is not easy because it requires a lot of time and effort, especially if you have little or no credit history. With the right steps and commitment, it can be achievable. On average, it will take an individual around 3-6 months to effectively build their credit score. 

This article will show the right steps to use to grow your credit score within a brief period of time. Keep reading to step your game up and learn how to be financially literate! Max Cash is here to help.

Looking for a secured credit card to build your credit history? Max Cash makes it easy to find the right credit card for you.5

What are the Steps to Build Your Credit in 6 Months?

If you are struggling with your credit score, you are not alone. According to a recent study conducted by Experian, more than 30% of Americans have a subprime credit score. 

Before you can understand how to build your credit in 6 months, you may want to get more information about how the major credit bureaus calculate your credit score.

build your credit in 6 months

The exact formula behind the credit scoring models (such as FICO or VantageScore) isn’t information that is readily available to the public.

But we do have a general idea of how things work. 

Your credit score is calculated from your payment history, the amount of debt you have, the length of your credit history, and the type of credit you have. The most important factor that affects your credit history is how you repay your debt obligations. Paying on time is incredibly important, as payment history accounts for around 35% of how your score is calculated.

With this information in mind, you may be able to move in the right direction towards improving your score. Take a closer look at the tips listed below!

Get a Secured Credit Card

A secured credit card can be an excellent tool for building your credit in six months. This type of card is different from a regular credit card or unsecured card because it is secured by cash payment, which serves as your established credit limit. 

Additionally, a secured credit card, like a credit builder card, comes with lower credit limits, but when used responsibly, it can be a valuable instrument to improve your credit score and establish a positive credit history. Check out a few different secured credit card options with Max Cash today!5

Become an Authorized User

In some cases, becoming an authorized user can also help build your credit in six months. It gives you the access to build your credit with the help of your friend or family member. If you are an authorized user of a credit card,  you can benefit from their (hopefully) good financial habits. Plus, it can help establish your own credit history. Being an authorized user also gives you the chance to piggyback on their good credit score. It also lets you avoid inquiring about or getting a card yourself, which is important, especially when you have bad credit or no credit history at all. 

Check Your Credit Report Frequently

It is a mistake to start building your credit without checking your credit report. It is important to check your credit report in order to dispute any errors or issues because this can result in a lower credit score.

building a positive credit history

Failure to resolve these issues can affect your credit score negatively. 

Misreported late payments, outdated information, unreported credit limits, or any other negative information are the common errors that can appear on your credit report. While they can be common, they shouldn’t stay on there!

Therefore, get a copy of your credit report, review your report carefully, and dispute all errors that can hinder your credit. Certain credit repair services can actually do this for you since it is a tedious process!

Pay Your Bills On Time

If you want to build your credit score in just six months, you must get in the habit of paying your bills on time. Set up an automatic payment system if you want to establish a consistent and positive payment record. Then, ensure you have enough money to cover those payments each month.

Diversify Your Credit Mix

Diversifying your credit mix means having different types of credit accounts. Having a mix can impact your credit positively. Moreover, a successful diversified credit mix can demonstrate your ability to manage financial responsibilities and show lenders that you can handle different accounts responsibly, which can boost your credibility.

Different loans that diversify your credit could include personal loans, installment loans, title loans, or mortgage loans.

Consolidate Your Debt

If you have several outstanding debts that you can’t catch up to, then you can choose to pay them off by taking out a debt consolidation loan from a bank or credit union. This will leave you with just one payment to deal with. Then, you could potentially be able to have more financial freedom and build your credit score quickly, especially if you can get a lower interest rate on the loan. 

Track Your Progress

You can address any issues that could negatively impact your credit score quickly if you regularly track your credit report. Keep an eye out for late payments, excessive balances, or too many recent hard inquiries. 

Be Patient and Consistent

If you are determined to build your credit within six months, it is important to remain patient and consistent, as building credit takes time. Be patient and adhere to sound financial practices. Your credit score could improve as long as you use your available credit responsibly and are patient.

What to Do When You Need to Improve Your Credit in 6 Months

By following the above steps outlined in this article, you can experience significant progress on your credit in a reasonable period of time and pave the way for a strong financial future. Whether you are looking for a new credit card or a loan to consolidate your debt, Max Cash can be your lifeline to new financial connections.5 For more information, contact us at 1-833-207-9052 or email us at info@maxcash.com.

By Z. Garcilazo

Z. Garcilazo is a financial writer for the Max Cash team with over 2 years of experience in the financial services industry. She has a passion for finance, and routinely authors blogs about budgeting, banking, and more.