How to Get a Better Credit Score

Couple Calculating Finances

If you want to get a great deal on your loan or lease in Chicago, learning how to get a better credit score is crucial. From assessing your debts to creating a payment plan, there are many ways to raise credit score that can make a huge impact on your financial future in Naperville. Find out our very best tips to increase credit score today, so you can secure the favorable car financing you’re looking for.


Check Your Credit Report

Want to know how to boost my credit score in Oswego? You have to start with the basics. There are three major credit bureaus where you can check your credit score every year:

  • Experian
  • Equifax
  • TransUnion

While it’s important to have a good grasp of your financial standing, it’s also a good idea to scan your report for any potential errors or signs of identity theft.


Manage Debts

Second, you’ll need to figure out where your debts are coming and how you can tackle them. How does debt affect your score?

  • Debt to Credit Ratio: This formula weighs how much available credit you have and how much you have used up. Try to only use 30% of your available balance at an absolute maximum.
  • Number of Cards: The more cards with balances and other debts you have, the lower your score will be. 

Create a Payment Plan

It may seem overwhelming to pay off debts – especially when they’ve built up over time. So here are the steps you need to take:

  • Find out what debt is in the collections process and start paying those off.
  • Tackle smaller debts that are easy to pay off, so you can start marking things on your list.
  • Take the bigger debts and break them down. Try to pay off a certain portion with every paycheck.
Calculator Money and Car Key

Other Tips to Increase Credit Score

  • Open a credit card: This may sound strange, but if you utilize credit cards properly, you can build credit quickly. Consider applying for a secured credit card and put one recurring monthly charge on it, paying it off in full every single month.
  • Get a Cosigner: Are you new to the world of financing? Consider asking a trusted family member to help you out by becoming a cosigner or adding you to an account.
  • Apply Wisely: If you’re applying for financing at multiple places, try to submit your applications within a 2-week window. This helps minimize any penalties on your credit score.

Learn More Ways to Raise Your Credit Score at Valley Honda

Learning how to get a better credit score is simple in theory, but we know that it can be a lot more complicated in the real world. Feel free to contact us with any questions and we’d be happy to offer additional ways to raise your credit score.


Explore Our Models

  • What’s New in the Honda Pilot?

    New Honda Pilot For Sale Near Oswego What Features are in the 2026 Honda Pilot? The Honda Pilot is a rugged SUV, made for the whole family to enjoy, and the 2026 model continues that trend while adding several key upgrades. This includes a variety of trim-exclusive traits being made standard for the model, improved…

  • 3 Exciting Features in the Returning Honda Prelude

    New Honda Vehicles For Sale Near Naperville What’s New in the Honda Prelude? The Honda Prelude is a sports coupe, bringing a wide variety of innovative technologies to enhance your driving experience. This model is set to make a triumphant return for the 2026 model year, showing off new hardware that enhances both driver engagement…

  • 5 New Features in the Redesigned 2026 Honda Passport

    Shop 2026 Honda Passport for Sale Dive into your next off-road adventure with the updated features of the new Honda Passport. Hitting the road with a new style and impressive interior, technology, and off-road-based features, the 2026 Passport delivers a reinvented driving experience. Discover 5 of the newest Passport redesigns with our Honda dealership in…

Menu

Get Directions

4173 Ogden Avenue, Aurora, IL, 60504

Select Language

Valley Honda 41.7503286, -88.2129555.