Courtesy Unsplash

Want to build your credit as fast as possible? Doing so is all about meeting key criteria that affect your score as efficiently as possible. Here’s how in eight practical ways:

1. Get a credit account (or two). Open a starter credit card if you don’t have one. To build your credit, you need active credit accounts.

2. Pay on time—every time. This is the biggest factor. Even one late payment can hurt. Set autopay so you never miss a bill.

3. Keep your balance low. Use your card, but don’t max it out. Aim to use under 30% of your limit (under 10% is even better).

4. Become an authorized user. If someone with good credit adds you to their card, their positive history can boost your profile quickly.

5. Don’t open too many accounts at once. Each application can ding your score temporarily. Space them out.

6. Keep accounts open. The longer your credit history, the better—so don’t close your oldest cards.

7. Mix it up (optional). Over time, having different types of credit (cards + a small loan) can help, but don’t rush this step.

8. Take out a credit union credit-builder loan. These small loans act like a credit card and help you build your score.

If you follow the above, you can see noticeable improvements to your score in a few months, but strong credit usually takes up to a year of consistent, on time payments.