My credit score jumped 62 points in 4 months. Here's what I did differently.

I've been stuck around 680 for like two years. Started paying my cards down before the statement date instead of waiting for the due date. Also got a secured card from my local credit union in Portland. FICO score just hit 742. Anyone else see a boost just by changing their payment timing?

3 comments

3 Comments

reese_hayes715d ago

Wait, are you sure it was your FICO score that hit 742 and not your VantageScore? That's a pretty big jump in four months, and the secured card would have dinged you with a hard pull and a new account. Just want to make sure you're looking at the right number, because FICO tends to be slower to move. I've seen people get really excited about a VantageScore jump and then get confused when a lender pulls their FICO and it's lower. @the_brian's 15 point bump off one month sounds more typical for FICO honestly. Your mileage may vary, but I'd double check which score you're actually tracking.

the_brian5d ago

Paying before the statement date boosted my score 15 points in one month.

jamesf295d ago

You bet, @the_brian. I did the same thing a few months ago and my score jumped 12 points the very next cycle. It almost felt too easy, but it really works. Now I just make sure a chunk of my balance is paid right before the statement cuts.