: The "age" of your credit history matters. Closing an old, unused card can actually lower your score by shortening your history and reducing your total available credit.
Improving your credit score is one of the most effective ways to secure a lower interest rate and save thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage. Lenders use your score to gauge how likely you are to repay the loan, so starting early—at least before you apply—is key. 1. Fix Errors on Your Credit Report
: Fixing even a small error can lead to a quick boost in your score. 2. Prioritize On-Time Payments