Boost Your Credit Score: A Roadmap to Financial Confidence

A strong credit score isn’t just a number; it’s a gateway to opportunities—lower loan rates, easier approvals, and better financial flexibility. Here’s your practical, easy-to-follow roadmap for boosting your credit score and unlocking a brighter financial future.

Keep an Eye on Your Credit Health

Your credit score is like a financial snapshot—and it’s important to check in regularly.

Good news: Langley’s Online Banking lets you view your credit score for free anytime you log in! Monitoring your score helps you spot trends, track your progress, and catch any unexpected changes early.

SMART CREDIT STARTS HERE

Access your free FICO® Score 24/7 in Digital Banking

Track your progress over time—all with zero impact to your credit. It's fast, secure, and completely free!

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For a deeper look, you’re also entitled to one free credit report each year from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to request yours.

What to Look For:

Errors or inaccuracies: Wrong addresses, accounts you don’t recognize, or payments marked late by mistake.

Fraud alerts: Suspicious accounts could indicate identity theft.

Account health: Review balances, payment history, and credit utilization.

Pro Tip: If you spot an error, act quickly. Contact the credit bureau to dispute it—correcting mistakes can give your score an immediate boost!

Establish (or Rebuild) Your Credit Foundation

No credit history? No problem. Everyone has to start somewhere—and starting smartly makes a huge difference.

If you’re new to credit or rebuilding after financial setbacks, consider:

Secured Credit Cards: These cards require a refundable deposit and function just like a traditional credit card. Use it for small purchases and pay it off each month.

Credit-Builder Loans: These specialized loans help you build positive payment history. You make fixed monthly payments, and the loan proceeds are held in a savings account until you finish paying.

Remember: Consistency is key. A history of on-time payments signals to lenders that you’re trustworthy and responsible.

Pay Bills On Time—Every Time

It may seem simple, but on-time payments are the most important factor in your credit score—accounting for about 35% of your total score! Even one missed payment can set you back significantly.

Stay on Track With These Tips:

Set up automatic payments through Langley’s Digital Banking.

Create calendar reminders a few days before due dates.

Build a buffer: Try to pay a few days early to allow for processing time.

If life gets hectic, reaching out to your lender before a missed payment can sometimes help you avoid penalties or negative reports. Communication matters!

Keep Your Credit Usage Low

Credit utilization—the amount of credit you use compared to your total limit—is another big part of your score. Ideally, you should use less than 30% of your available credit.

For Example: If you have a $1,000 credit limit, try to keep your balance below $300.

Ways to Manage Credit Utilization:

Pay your balance off early (even before your statement closes).

Ask for a credit limit increase if you’ve been managing your card well—but avoid spending more just because your limit is higher!

Spread balances across multiple cards instead of maxing out one.

Showing that you use credit responsibly—without relying heavily on it—is a powerful signal to lenders.

Be Mindful of New Applications

Every time you apply for a new credit account, a "hard inquiry" appears on your report. Too many inquiries in a short time can temporarily lower your score.

Best Practices for New Credit:

Space out applications by several months if possible.

Only apply for credit you need—not just because an offer sounds appealing.

Consider prequalification offers: Some lenders offer prequalification checks that don't impact your score.

Building your credit is a long-term game. Focus on growing steadily, rather than opening several new accounts at once.

Bonus Tip: Keep Old Accounts Open

It’s tempting to close old credit cards you no longer use, but think twice! Older accounts add to your credit age, which boosts your score. If there’s no annual fee, consider keeping those cards open and using them for small recurring charges—paid off monthly, of course—to keep them active.

Credit Age Matters: The longer your history of responsible credit management, the stronger your score looks.

Your Next Steps Toward Financial Confidence

Boosting your credit score isn’t about perfection—it’s about building good habits over time. Improving your credit score is a smart investment in yourself—and your future.

And remember, you’re not alone. Langley is here to help you save, borrow, and spend wisely. Let’s build your financial future together!