Check your credit report regularly: You can get a free copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review your credit report for errors, such as incorrect balances or accounts that don't belong to you, and dispute any inaccuracies.

Pay your bills on time: Late payments can have a significant negative impact on your credit score. Make sure to pay all of your bills on time, including credit card bills, loan payments, and utility bills.

Keep your credit utilization low: Your credit utilization is the amount of credit you're using compared to your credit limit. Try to keep your credit utilization below 30% of your available credit.

Don't close old credit accounts: Closing old credit accounts can shorten your credit history and potentially lower your credit score. Instead, keep old accounts open, even if you're not using them.

Limit new credit applications: Applying for multiple new credit accounts in a short period of time can be seen as a red flag to lenders and may lower your credit score. Only apply for new credit when you need it.

Consider a credit builder loan or secured credit card: A credit builder loan is a small loan that is designed to help you establish or improve your credit score. A secured credit card requires a deposit, which serves as collateral, and can help you build credit over time.