7 Tips to Improve Your Credit Score Fast

Learn how to improve your credit score

Having a good credit score is essential for anyone who wants to get a loan, a credit card with better conditions or even rent a property. If you have a bad credit rating or a low credit score, the good news is that you can turn things around.

With some simple and consistent actions, you can improve your score faster than you think. But what are the main tips? Find out all the details below!

1. Negotiate and Pay Off Overdue Debts

This is the most important tip to start with. Having overdue debts, especially those that are negatively impacting your credit report, weighs heavily on your score.

So the first step to improving your credit score is to negotiate those debts.

Platforms like Serasa Limpa Nome or government programs such as Desenrola Brasil often offer special conditions, with discounts and accessible installment plans.

Once a debt is paid and your name is cleared, your score usually begins to rise within days or weeks.

2. Keep Your Bills Up to Date

In addition to paying off old debts, it’s crucial to keep your current bills paid on time. Late payments on basic bills like electricity, water, phone, internet, or even subscription services are reported to credit institutions and affect your history.

If possible, set up automatic payments or use calendar reminders so you don’t miss due dates. On-time payments are one of the most important factors in maintaining a good credit score.

3. Update Your Information with Credit Bureaus

Many people don’t realize that keeping your information up to date with credit bureaus like Serasa, SPC, and Boa Vista can influence your score.

Personal data such as address, phone number, marital status, and income help create a more accurate consumer profile.

When your data is correct and reflects your financial reality, it increases your credibility in the market—and that can positively impact your credit score.

4. Have Financial Activity in Your Name

If you pay everything in cash or in someone else’s name, credit systems can’t track your financial behavior. That’s why it’s important to have transactions registered under your CPF (individual taxpayer ID number in Brazil).

Pay your bills in your own name, use a credit card (even if it has a low limit), and register utilities like water, electricity, and phone in your name. This helps build a credit history, which directly influences your score.

5. Use Credit Responsibly

If you have a credit card or overdraft limit, use it wisely. Avoid maxing out your limit, always pay your bill on time, and preferably pay the full amount, not just the minimum.

Responsible use of credit shows that you are a reliable borrower, and that’s something credit systems value highly. Over time, this good behavior will help increase your score.

6. Avoid Too Many Credit Inquiries in a Short Period

Every time you apply for a new credit card, loan, or financing, your CPF is checked by financial institutions. If this happens too often in a short time, it can give the impression that you’re in financial trouble, which can lower your score.

If possible, avoid applying for multiple credit products at once. Wait for your score to improve using the tips above before making new requests.

7. Sign Up for Positive Credit Reporting

The “Cadastro Positivo” (Positive Credit Registry) is an initiative that allows credit bureaus to track your on-time bill payments. It considers not only your debts but also your good financial habits.

By signing up for positive credit reporting, you allow companies to view a more complete picture of your behavior, including payments on loans, credit cards, financing, and utility bills.

This helps balance out any past delays and can improve your score more quickly.

Improving your credit score isn’t magic, but it’s totally possible with simple and consistent actions. Start by paying off your debts, keep your bills up to date, and show the market that you are a responsible consumer.

Remember: your credit score is a reflection of your relationship with money. The better that relationship, the more opportunities you’ll have to achieve your goals, whether it’s buying a car, financing a home, or getting better financial deals.

Put these 7 tips into practice and watch your score grow month by month. Your financial future will thank you!

Written by

Juliana Raquel