Let’s be honest — your credit score can feel like this mysterious number that controls your financial life. Whether you’re trying to buy a home, finance a car or even just get approved for a better credit card, that three-digit number matters more than most of us would like to admit.
The good news? Your credit score isn’t set in stone. If you’re wondering how to fix your credit score or how to improve your credit score in 2026, you’ve come to the right place. We’re breaking down the practical, actionable steps you can take right now to start seeing real improvements.
Understanding What Actually Affects Your Credit Score
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about what makes up your credit score. According to Experian, five main factors influence your score:
- Payment history (35%): Whether you pay your bills on time
- Credit utilization (30%): How much of your available credit you’re using
- Length of credit history (15%): How long you’ve had credit accounts
- Credit mix (10%): The variety of credit types you have
- New credit (10%): Recent credit inquiries and new accounts
Knowing these factors helps you prioritize where to focus your energy.
The Foundation: Master Your Payment History
Your payment history is the single most important factor in how to fix my credit score, accounting for over a third of your total score. Even one missed payment can stick around on your credit report for up to seven years, according to Yahoo Finance.
Here’s how to nail this:
- Set up automatic payments. At Community Point Bank, our checking accounts make it easy to schedule automatic bill payments, so you never miss a due date. Even if you can only afford the minimum payment, paying on time is what counts.
- Use payment reminders. Set up alerts on your phone or through your bank’s mobile app. A simple reminder a few days before each due date can save you from costly mistakes.
- Pay down past-due accounts. If you’ve missed payments in the past, bringing those accounts current should be your top priority. While the late payment stays on your report, your score will improve once the account is no longer delinquent.
Get Strategic About Credit Utilization
Credit utilization — the percentage of your available credit that you’re actually using — is your second-biggest score factor. Most banks recommend keeping your utilization below 30%, but aiming for under 10% is even better.
Think of it this way: if you have a credit card with a $10,000 limit, try to keep your balance below $3,000 (ideally below $1,000).
- Pay down existing balances. Focus on cards that are closest to their limits first. Even paying down one maxed-out card can give your score a quick boost.
- Request credit limit increases. If you’ve been a responsible cardholder, ask for a higher limit. This instantly lowers your utilization ratio without requiring you to pay down debt. Just don’t use the extra credit as an excuse to spend more.
- Make multiple payments per month. Instead of waiting until your due date, make smaller payments throughout the month. This keeps your reported balance lower, which is what credit bureaus see.
Don’t Close Old Accounts
Here’s a mistake many people make when trying to improve their credit score: closing old credit cards they’re not using anymore. iTHINK Financial warns that this can actually hurt your score by reducing your overall available credit (increasing utilization) and shortening your average credit history.
For accounts with no annual fees, it is recommended to keep those old accounts open, even if you only use them occasionally for a small purchase that you pay off immediately.
Mix It Up (Carefully)
Having different types of credit — credit cards, auto loans or mortgages — shows lenders you can handle various forms of debt responsibly. But this doesn’t mean you should rush out and open new accounts just for the sake of diversity. Only take on new credit when it makes financial sense for your situation.
How Community Point Bank Can Help
Improving your credit score doesn’t have to be a solo journey. At Community Point Bank, we offer tools and resources designed to help mid-Missouri residents build and maintain healthy credit.
Our personal banking services include financial guidance tailored to your unique situation. Whether you’re recovering from past credit challenges or looking to optimize an already-good score, our team can help you develop a strategy that works.
We also offer debit card services with credit monitoring features that help you keep tabs on your credit health throughout the year. Catching errors or suspicious activity early can prevent serious damage to your score.
For those who’ve been victims of identity theft — a growing concern that can devastate your credit overnight — our checking accounts include identity theft resolution services to help you get back on track.
Plus, check out our Knowledge Bank for additional financial literacy resources that go beyond just credit scores.
Be Patient and Persistent
Here’s the truth about how to fix your credit score: it takes time. According to Experian, you might see small improvements within a month or two of making changes, but significant score increases typically take three to six months of consistent positive behavior.
The key is to stay committed. Pay bills on time, keep balances low and avoid opening unnecessary new accounts. Small, consistent actions compound into meaningful results.
Take the Next Step
Your credit score is more than just a number — it’s a tool that can open doors to better financial opportunities. Whether you’re working to repair past credit damage or optimize an already-solid score, 2026 is your year to take control.
Ready to get started? Contact Community Point Bank today to learn about our credit-building products and services. Our team is here to help you develop a personalized plan to achieve your credit goals. Let’s work together to build the financial future you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common credit mistakes you see customers make?
The biggest mistake is making late payments, even if it’s just by a few days. We also see customers closing old credit cards thinking it will help their score, when it actually hurts. Another common issue is maxing out credit cards — even if you pay them off each month, having high balances reported to credit bureaus can temporarily lower your score.
How can CPB’s services help customers build and maintain good credit?
Community Point Bank offers several tools to support your credit health. Our checking accounts with automatic bill pay help ensure you never miss a payment. We provide credit monitoring through our debit card services so you can track your progress and catch errors quickly. Our financial advisors can also review your credit situation and help you develop a customized improvement plan.
Are there any credit-building products or services CPB offers?
Yes! We offer secured credit cards and credit-builder loans designed specifically for people looking to establish or rebuild credit. We also provide financial counseling and access to educational resources through our Knowledge Bank. If you’ve been affected by identity theft, our identity theft resolution services can help you dispute fraudulent accounts and restore your credit. Contact us to discuss which products might be right for your situation.