Improving your credit score can take time and effort, but there are several strategies you can use to make progress towards a better score. Here are 10 ways someone can improve their credit score:

1. Pay your bills on time: Payment history is the most important factor in determining your credit score, so it’s crucial to make all of your payments on time.
2. Reduce credit card balances: High credit card balances can negatively impact your credit score. Aim to keep your balances below 30% of your credit limit.
3. Pay off debt: Paying off outstanding debt can help improve your credit score and reduce your overall financial stress.
4. Avoid opening too many new accounts: Opening too many new credit accounts at once can be seen as a red flag by lenders and may hurt your credit score.
5. Keep old accounts open: Keeping old credit accounts open can help improve the average length of your credit history, which can positively impact your credit score.
6. Dispute errors on your credit report: If you find errors on your credit report, dispute them with the credit bureaus to have them removed.
7. Avoid collections: If you have outstanding debt that has gone to collections, try to pay it off as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your credit score.
8. Limit hard inquiries: Hard inquiries occur when you apply for credit, and too many of them can negatively impact your credit score. Try to limit the number of hard inquiries you make.
9. Use a secured credit card: If you’re struggling to get approved for a traditional credit card, a secured credit card can help you build credit while minimizing risk for the lender.
10. Monitor your credit score: Regularly checking your credit score can help you track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

Improving your credit score takes time and effort, but by following these strategies and making responsible financial decisions, you can gradually improve your credit score and achieve your financial goals.