How to Rebuild Your Credit

Credit scores can feel like a black box, but they're actually built from a small, well-documented set of factors. Once you understand what drives your score, rebuilding it becomes a lot less mysterious — and a lot more within your control.

This guide covers what actually goes into your score, the fastest realistic ways to improve it, and how to tell the difference between legitimate credit repair help and a company that's taking advantage of a stressful situation.

The Five FICO Score Factors

Payment History~35%

Credit Utilization~30%

Length of Credit History~15%

Credit Mix~10%

New Credit~10%

Payment history and credit utilization together make up roughly two-thirds of your score, which is why they're where most rebuilding efforts should focus first. See our Improve Your Credit Score page for what to prioritize.

Improve Your Credit Score

The five FICO factors in detail, and which levers move your score fastest.

What Is Credit Repair?

The DIY dispute process, and what credit repair legally can and can't do for you.

Credit Repair Companies

What legitimate companies do, your rights under federal law, and red flags to watch for.

Already Been Through a Debt Relief Program?

Rebuilding credit after debt settlement, a debt management plan, or bankruptcy comes with its own timeline and considerations. See our dedicated guide on Rebuilding Credit After Debt Relief for what to expect and how to speed up your recovery.

Is Existing Debt Slowing Down Your Progress?

If unresolved debt is what's keeping your score down, our free assessment can help you understand which path makes sense for you.

Get My Free Debt Assessment