How to Rebuild Your Credit Score

You can rebuild your credit score with time and discipline: settle outstanding debts, get clearance certificates, check your credit report for errors, and pay everything on time going forward. Negative listings typically fall off after a year, while judgments can remain up to five years. Consistent good behaviour is what rebuilds your record.

How to Rebuild Your Credit Score

If your credit score has been affected, rebuilding it takes time and discipline. Here is a practical guide.

1. Settle all outstanding debts — Clear any unpaid accounts. Contact each creditor and arrange payment.
2. Request clearance certificates — Once settled, confirm the creditor has updated the credit bureau.
3. Check your credit report — You get one free report per year from TransUnion, Experian, Compuscan, and XDS. Dispute any errors.
4. Pay everything on time — Payment history is the biggest factor in your score. Even cellphone contracts matter.
5. Avoid new debt you cannot afford — Only borrow what you can comfortably repay.
6. Be patient — Negative listings fall off after one year. Judgments can remain up to five years.
7. Use credit responsibly — One or two well-managed accounts help build your score.

Rebuilding credit is a marathon, not a sprint. Every on-time payment is a step in the right direction.

For context, read What Is a Credit Score and Why It Matters and Understanding Credit Bureau Listings.