Before you apply for any loan or card, make sure your credit profile is ready.
This checklist gathers all the small but powerful actions that help raise your score, lower your interest, and boost your approval chances — fast.
✅ Step 1: Check Your Current Score
You can’t improve what you don’t measure.
Use a free credit checker or your banking app to see your current standing.
Why it matters:
Knowing your baseline helps you track progress and avoid unnecessary applications.
Pro tip:
If your score is below 600, focus on on-time payments for the next 60 days — it’s the fastest improvement lever.
✅ Step 2: Pay Down Balances Strategically
Target one debt at a time and pay slightly above the minimum on the rest.
This method (called the debt snowball) keeps motivation high.
Why it matters:
Credit utilization is 30% of your score — reducing balances by even 10% can lift your rating.
✅ Step 3: Add Positive Data to Your File
Link bills or accounts that show consistent payments (utilities, mobile plans, or digital wallet top-ups).
Why it matters:
Positive data fills thin credit files and creates a record of responsible behavior.
✅ Step 4: Keep Old Accounts Active
Even if unused, your oldest card boosts your credit “age.”
Don’t close it — use it once every few months for a small recurring payment (like Spotify).
✅ Step 5: Limit New Applications
Too many new requests = red flag.
Space them out — one every 3 months is safe.
✅ Step 6: Review and Dispute Errors
Errors are common and fixable.
Check your report every quarter and file disputes for anything wrong.
Pro tip:
Attach photo proof and written confirmation when disputing — most get fixed within 30 days.
✅ Step 7: Track Monthly Progress
Use one app to monitor changes (like Digido Tracker or Credit Sense PH).
Small jumps of +20 or +30 points per month add up quickly.
Quick Checklist (Save or Print)
- Check score monthly
- Pay more than the minimum
- Keep utilization below 30%
- Add positive payment data
- Keep oldest account active
- Space out applications
- Review and dispute errors
🔄 Keep Building Your Score
Your credit score isn’t static — it grows as your discipline grows.
Stay consistent, keep balances low, and use your credit only for what truly builds value.
Loop back: Start again at 7 Smart Ways to Fix Your Credit Score →
Educational content only. Always verify information with your official credit bureau.