The fastest ways to raise your score before a mortgage are paying credit card balances down to under 30% of each limit (under 10% is better), fixing errors on your reports, and making every payment on time. Avoid opening new accounts or closing old ones in the months before you apply. Even 20 to 40 points can lower your rate and mortgage insurance.
Why a few points matter
Mortgage pricing moves in steps of roughly 20 points, so crossing a threshold like 680, 700, 720 or 740 can lower your rate or the points you pay. Mortgage insurance on conventional loans also costs less at higher scores. See what your next step up is worth with the credit score cost calculator, and which loans fit your score now with credit score to loan options.
1. Pay down revolving balances
Credit utilization, the share of your card limits you’re using, is one of the biggest factors and changes as soon as a lower balance is reported. Pay cards down before the statement closing date, since that’s usually when balances are reported. Lowering a card from 80% to under 30% of its limit can add meaningful points within one or two months.
2. Check your reports for errors
Get your reports from all three bureaus free at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for accounts you don’t recognize, late payments that weren’t late, wrong balances and debts that should have aged off. Dispute errors directly with the bureau; corrections can take about a month.
3. Never miss a payment
Payment history is the largest factor. One payment 30 days late can drop a good score significantly and stays on your report for years. Set up autopay for at least the minimum on every account.
4. Don’t open or close accounts
- New accounts add a hard inquiry and lower your average account age; lenders also ask about recent inquiries.
- Closing old cards reduces your available credit and can raise utilization.
- Don’t finance furniture or a car before closing, even if you’re already approved.
5. Deal with collections carefully
Paying a collection doesn’t always raise your score, and some scoring models used by lenders still count paid collections. Ask your lender before paying old collections; some loans require certain ones be paid, and a “pay for delete” agreement may help. Get any agreement in writing.
How long it takes
| Action | Typical time to see results |
|---|---|
| Pay down card balances | 1 to 2 billing cycles |
| Fix reporting errors | About 30 days after a dispute |
| Rebuild after a late payment | Months to years |
Ask lenders about a rapid rescore: after you pay balances down, they can request updated scores within days.
Build it into your timeline
The homebuying timeline schedules credit work alongside saving. If your score is low now, an FHA loan may let you buy sooner, and you can refinance later once your score improves; see what credit score you need.
Common questions
How fast can I raise my credit score?
Paying credit card balances down can raise your score within one or two billing cycles; fixing errors takes about a month after a dispute.
Should I close credit cards before buying a house?
Usually not. Closing cards reduces available credit and can raise utilization, lowering your score.
Will paying off collections raise my score?
Not always. Ask your lender first; some loans require certain collections be paid, and a written pay-for-delete agreement may help.
Updated October 2026. Educational content. OfferBacked is not currently a lender and doesn’t issue pre-approvals or loans.