In today’s world, your credit score is more than just a number—it’s a reflection of your financial responsibility and can determine your ability to get a loan, rent an apartment, or even land a job. But when it comes to boosting your credit score, myths and misinformation are everywhere. At Decs – We Kill Debt, we believe in empowering people with the truth. That’s why we’re revealing the facts behind the most common credit score myths and offering real strategies to help you boost your credit score the right way.
Myth #1: You Only Have One Credit Score
The Truth: You actually have many credit scores.
Most people believe there’s just one credit score, but that’s not the case. In reality, there are multiple scoring models (FICO, VantageScore, etc.), and even within those models, different versions exist. Each credit bureau—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—can report slightly different information. That’s why your credit score can vary depending on who is checking it.
✅ Decs Tip: Always review all three of your credit reports to get the full picture of your credit health.
Myth #2: Checking Your Own Credit Score Will Hurt It
The Truth: Soft inquiries, like checking your own credit, do not affect your score.
Only hard inquiries, which occur when a lender checks your credit for approval (like for a mortgage or auto loan), can impact your score—and even then, the effect is minor and temporary.
✅ Decs Tip: Check your own credit report regularly to spot errors and monitor progress. Use tools like Credit Karma or AnnualCreditReport.com.
Myth #3: Closing Old Credit Cards Will Boost Your Score
The Truth: Closing old accounts can actually hurt your credit score.
Your credit history length makes up 15% of your FICO score. When you close an old account, you may shorten the average age of your credit history. Plus, it reduces your available credit, which can increase your credit utilization ratio—a major factor in your score.
✅ Decs Tip: Keep old accounts open if they don’t have annual fees. They help build a strong credit profile over time.
Myth #4: Paying Off Debt Instantly Fixes Your Credit
The Truth: Paying off debt is a great move, but it’s just part of the process.
While paying down balances helps reduce your credit utilization and improves your score over time, your credit history still reflects past late payments or charge-offs. Time and consistency are key to seeing a big jump in your score.
✅ Decs Tip: Stay consistent with payments, and let positive behavior stack up month by month.
Myth #5: You Have to Be in Debt to Build Credit
The Truth: You don’t need to carry debt to build good credit.
Carrying a balance isn’t necessary—and it’s actually expensive because you’ll pay interest. What builds credit is using credit responsibly, which means paying your balances in full and on time.
✅ Decs Tip: Use your credit cards like a debit card. Make small purchases and pay them off every month.
Myth #6: Credit Repair is a Scam
The Truth: Not all credit repair services are created equal.
While some companies overpromise and underdeliver, Decs – We Kill Debt is built on honesty, strategy, and results. We don’t promise miracles overnight—but we do work hard to remove inaccuracies, dispute errors, and help you build a plan to restore and grow your credit long-term.
✅ Decs Tip: Work with a trusted team like us to navigate the system and make sure your credit report tells the truth about you.
Truth Bomb: What Actually Boosts Your Credit Score
Now that we’ve busted some myths, let’s talk real solutions. Here’s what actually works when it comes to increasing your credit score:
✅ 1. Pay Bills On Time – Every Time
Payment history is the #1 factor, making up 35% of your FICO score. One late payment can drop your score significantly.
✅ 2. Keep Credit Utilization Low
Aim to use less than 30% of your credit limit. Lower is better. If you have a $1,000 limit, try to keep your balance under $300.
✅ 3. Don’t Apply for Too Many Credit Accounts
Too many hard inquiries in a short time can make you look risky to lenders. Space out applications when possible.
✅ 4. Mix of Credit
Having a mix of accounts—credit cards, installment loans (like a car or student loan), and retail accounts—can help, but don’t open new accounts just for variety.
✅ 5. Dispute Inaccurate Items
Errors on your credit report can drag your score down unfairly. We help identify and dispute these items to keep your report clean.
How Decs – We Kill Debt Can Help
At Decs – We Kill Debt, we specialize in helping people just like you understand their credit, clean up inaccurate or outdated items, and build a path toward financial freedom. Here’s what sets us apart:
- 🔎 Personalized Credit Audits
- 📊 Aggressive Disputes to Credit Bureaus
- 🧠 Education-Based Approach to Credit
- 💼 Real Strategies to Build and Maintain Great Credit
- 🔁 Ongoing Support and Monitoring
We don’t just fix credit—we teach you how to master it for life.
Take Control of Your Financial Future
Your credit score doesn’t define you—but it can shape your future. Whether you’re trying to get approved for a car loan, buy your first home, or just feel confident financially, boosting your credit score is a powerful step. And with Decs – We Kill Debt by your side, you don’t have to do it alone.
Let’s bust the myths, face the truth, and get your credit score climbing. 🚀
