Secrets to a 100 Point Credit Score Jump Most People Miss

If you’ve been trying to increase your credit score, you’ve probably heard the usual advice: pay bills on time, reduce your debt, and avoid new credit inquiries. While these are great habits, they’re not the full picture. In fact, there are lesser-known strategies that can lead to a 100 point credit score increase, often faster than you might expect.

In this post, we’ll uncover the hidden tactics most people don’t know—or ignore—that can make a huge difference in your credit journey.

1. How to become an authorized user on someone else's credit card

You can boost your credit score by adding yourself as an authorized cardholder on another person's credit cards.

Why it works:

It allows you to benefit from the positive credit history of the borrower, their credit limit, and length of credit without having to be responsible for the debt.

The person must:

• No missed payments
• Low credit utilization rate
• Long credit history

It can improve your credit score even if you do not use it.

2. You can ask for an increase in your credit line without a hard pull

Increase your credit limit to increase your score.

Lowering your credit utilization rate (the ratio of credit used compared to the total credit available) is possible by increasing your credit limit.

The key is:

when requesting an increase in credit limit:

• Ask if the inquiry is soft (not hard)
• You can only request this after six to twelve months of timely payments

A small improvement can have a significant impact on your score.

3. Sending a Letter of Good Will to Remove Past Payments

One late payment can remain on your credit report up to seven-years. But there is a way to request removal: the "goodwill letter".

Why the majority ignores it:

Because they assume that lenders will not remove late payments. Many will, especially if you have been a good customer.

Success tips:

• Be polite, personal and courteous
• Why is the payment late?
• Include all supporting documents
• You can send it to the customer service department or executive department of your creditor

Your score could increase by dozens of point if you are approved.

4. Diversify your credit mix

Credit mix accounts for 10% of your FICO Score. This includes both revolving loans (like credit cards), and installment loans (like loans for personal use).

The key is:

To improve your credit score, add a small loan for personal use or a credit builder to your profile.

Example:

A service such as Self or CreditStrong will help you to establish a new credit account, improve your payment history and build a better credit mix in a matter of months.

5. You can dispute inaccurate information on your credit reports

Credit report errors are more common than one might imagine. According to the FTC one out of five credit reports contains a mistake which could negatively impact your score.

What to do?

• Experian, Equifax and TransUnion offer you the ability to obtain your credit reports.
• Check for duplicate accounts, old balances or inaccurate late payments
• Online or by mail, you can dispute errors directly with the bureaus.

Even a single negative can be improved, resulting in a major boost.

6. Use credit score simulation tools

Credit simulators let you see the impact of specific financial decisions on your credit score.

These tools are a great way to get data-backed predictions instead of guessing.

Find them here:

• PFScores
• Experian Boost
• MyFICO

You can use a simulator to plan your next step, whether it is paying off a balance, opening up a new account or disputing a mistake.

Final Thoughts:

If you are strategic, you can increase your credit score by 100 points. The majority of people follow only the basics. However, by following the tips below, you will be able to get ahead quicker.