How to Raise Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage
In the months before a mortgage application, lowering card balances, avoiding new credit, and fixing errors usually do the most. Here's a practical timeline.
Quick answer
Focus on what changes fastest: pay down credit card balances before statements close, avoid new credit applications, dispute errors, and keep every payment on time. Start at least a few months before you apply, because changes need time to be reported.
Why it matters
Mortgage rates and some costs are priced partly by credit score. A higher score can mean a lower rate, which compounds over a 30-year loan; see how much a 1-point rate drop saves.
A practical timeline
- 3–6 months out. Pull all three credit reports; dispute any errors.
- 2–3 months out. Pay card balances down; aim for low utilization on every card.
- 1–2 months out. Pay before statement dates so low balances are reported.
- Until closing. No new cards, car loans, or large purchases on credit.
- Rate shopping. Compare lenders within a short window so inquiries count together.
What helps most
- Lower utilization; see credit utilization.
- Fix errors; see disputing credit report errors.
- On-time payments; one late payment can undo months of work.
- Keep old accounts open.
What to avoid
- Opening new credit, even store cards.
- Closing old cards right before applying.
- Co-signing someone else's loan.
- Moving large sums without documentation; lenders review bank statements.
See how credit scores are calculated.
The takeaway
In the months before a mortgage application, low balances, clean reports, and no new credit do the most for your score. Small improvements can mean a meaningfully lower rate.
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