How to Raise Your Credit Scores Fast

Bad credit holding you back? Don't worry. While fixing credit usually takes time, you can speed things up with the right moves.

First, check your credit reports for mistakes that might be hurting your score. Simple errors can be fixed quickly. Everyone's situation is different, but you might see improvements in just 30-45 days after making positive changes.

Ready to get started? Let's look at what actually works to boost your credit scores without the waiting game.

What's a realistic timeline for boosting your credit scores?

Credit scores don't jump overnight, even when you're doing everything right. Most scores update monthly, though some might refresh more often depending on your situation. You can check your score for free anytime through KOHO to track your progress.

It's up to your lenders to report info to the two credit bureaus in Canada (Equifax and TransUnion). Most report monthly, but on different days.

In a hurry? If you're applying for a mortgage or another important loan, you might try a "rapid rescore." This process takes 3-5 business days and helps you see which changes might boost your score fastest. But unless you're actively applying for credit, it's usually better to let your scores update naturally.

Quick ways to boost your credit scores

Check for Mistakes

First, look through your credit reports for errors. Found an account that's not yours? Dispute it with the credit bureau. Fixing major errors can give your scores a big lift.

Pay Bills on Time

Your payment history affects your scores more than anything else. Even making minimum payments helps—just don't miss the due date. Setting up autopay can save you from forgetting. And if you do miss a payment, call your lender right away to work something out.

Mix Up Your Credit Types

Take stock of what credit accounts you have. If you only have student loans and car loans (installment credit), your credit mix lacks variety. Consider adding a credit card. If you only have credit cards, maybe look into a small personal loan. For folks with poor credit, secured credit cards or credit-builder loans work well. KOHO Credit Building can help you establish a positive payment history without the risks of traditional credit cards.

Just be careful—each new credit application typically causes a "hard inquiry" that temporarily lowers your scores.

Lower Your Credit Usage

Keeping your credit card balances below 30% of your limits helps your scores. Try these tricks:

• Pay more than once a month to keep balances low

• Pay down debt but keep old accounts open

• Ask for credit limit increases (especially if your income has gone up)

Remember, more available credit helps only if you don't use it to rack up more debt.

How long before your credit score improves?

How quickly your credit score goes up depends on your money situation.

At best, you might see changes in 30-45 days after making positive moves. That's roughly how long it takes for lenders to tell the credit bureaus about your accounts. Sometimes though, it might take a few more months before all your good habits add up to better scores. And if you're waiting for negative marks to disappear, you could be looking at a year or more.

Here's the truth: Good credit scores come from good money habits kept up over time. There's no magic trick to fix your credit overnight.

Be patient. Keep paying bills on time. Your score will improve if you stick with it.

The path to better credit

Fixing your credit takes work, but it's worth it. Start with the basics: check for errors, pay on time, mix up your credit types, and keep your card balances low.

Don't expect miracles overnight. Most people see small improvements in one to two months. Bigger changes might take six months or longer. That's just how credit works.

Remember that your credit score is just a number—not a judgment of who you are. Keep making smart money moves, and your score will follow.