1) Pull all three credit reports and scan for errors — do this first

Order your free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and check Experian, Equifax and TransUnion for wrong accounts, incorrect balances, or duplicated collections. If you find errors, file disputes with both the bureau and the furnisher (the company that reported the item). Under federal rules, bureaus typically investigate within about 30–45 days — when an error is removed, your score may update shortly after. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Pro tip: Save PDFs/screenshots of your evidence (statements, payslips, identity docs) to attach to online disputes for a faster outcome.

2) Reduce credit utilization now — fastest, broadest impact

Credit utilization (the share of your available revolving credit you’re using) is one of the strongest short-term levers to improve score. Paying down card balances or moving balances to cards with low utilization can lower your ratio quickly; many people see score changes after the next statement cycle or when issuers report updated balances to the bureaus. Aim to get per-card utilization below 30% — the lower, the better. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

• Pay down the largest balances first or use a balance-transfer offer if fees make sense.
• Make multiple payments in the month so the statement balance (what reports) is lower.
• If you have cash, pay cards before the statement closing date so the lower balance is reported.

3) Consider rapid rescoring (if you’re working with a lender)

If you’re applying for a mortgage or major loan, lenders can sometimes arrange a rapid rescore to quickly update paid-off balances or corrected information on credit reports — often within a few business days — which can translate into a faster score bump. You can’t request this directly; it must be requested through your lender. This is a targeted tool for active loan shoppers rather than everyday credit fixes. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Good use case: you paid off a large credit card balance to hit a rate or underwriting guideline — rapid rescore can help the new lower balance reflect before underwriting completes.

4) Becoming an authorized user—fast but use caution

Being added as an authorized user to a well-managed, long-established credit card can sometimes add positive history to your reports quickly (often within one or two billing cycles) and lift a score — but results vary by issuer and scoring model. Make sure the primary account has on-time payments and low utilization; if the account has negatives, you could be harmed instead of helped. Always get the card issuer’s policy in writing before relying on this move. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Ethics note: Adding unrelated people solely to manipulate credit can violate card agreements — only use trusted family or close connections and act transparently.

5) Make every payment on time — even small bills

Payment history is the largest single factor in most scores. A single missed payment can undo progress. While one on-time payment won’t erase long-term delinquencies, ensuring every current payment posts on time prevents new negative marks and supports incremental improvement. Use autopay, calendar reminders, or pay early in the billing cycle. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Other fast moves that sometimes help

• Request a higher credit limit: If granted, it lowers utilization instantly (assuming you don’t increase spending). Some issuers process limit increases quickly; others take weeks.
• Avoid new hard inquiries: New credit applications can ding your score for a short time—delay new applications if you want a quick improvement. For mortgage/auto loans, group applications within a short window to limit impact. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Use Experian Boost (and similar services): Add positive recurring bills like phone or streaming payments to help certain scoring models — results vary by consumer profile. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

What to realistically expect after 30 days

If you pay down balances and correct clear errors, many consumers see measurable uplifts in weeks. Dispute removals and authorized-user additions commonly appear in 30–60 days; rapid rescoring can be much faster but requires a lender. Major negative items (collections, charge-offs, bankruptcies) need months or years to materially change. The goal for 30 days is to create momentum—lower utilization, correct mistakes, and lock in on-time payments. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Next steps (30-day checklist)

1. Pull reports today from AnnualCreditReport.com and note errors.
2. Pay down revolving balances — prioritize cards with highest utilization.
3. If buying a house, ask your lender about rapid rescoring for paid balances.
4. Ask trusted family about authorized-user options (only if the account is clean).
5. Set autopay and avoid new credit applications for 30 days.