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Your credit score is one of the most important aspects of your financial health. A strong score can save you money and open doors to new opportunities, from qualifying for loans to securing lower interest rates. If you’re looking to improve your credit in 2026, here are five helpful tips to get you started on the road to financial freedom.

1. Pay Bills on Time, Every Time

Payment history is the single biggest factor in your credit score. Late payments can stay on your report for years, so make timely payments a priority.

Set up automatic payments for your mortgage, car loan, and credit cards. Even paying the minimum amount on time helps protect your score.

Pro Tip: For accounts where automatic payments aren’t an option, use calendar reminders or banking alerts to avoid missed due dates.

2. Reduce Your Credit Utilization

Credit utilization — the amount of credit you’re using compared to your limit — should ideally stay below 30%. High balances can hurt your score even if you pay on time.

If you have a credit limit of $10,000, try to keep your balance under $3,000. Paying down balances or requesting a higher limit can help.

Pro Tip: If you can, make an extra payment mid-month to lower your reported balance before your statement closes.

3. Avoid Opening Too Many New Accounts

Each time you apply for credit, whether it’s a new credit card or a loan, a hard inquiry appears in your report. Too many inquiries in a short time can lower your score.

Instead of applying for multiple credit cards at once, space out applications and only open accounts when it’s truly necessary.

Pro Tip: If you’re shopping for a mortgage or auto loan, do it within a short window. Credit bureaus often treat multiple inquiries for the same type of loan as one.

4. Check Your Credit Report for Errors

Mistakes happen, and an error on your report can drag down your score. Review your report regularly and dispute inaccuracies.

If you see a loan you know you’ve paid off still listed as active or a late payment you know was on time, file a dispute with the credit bureau.

Pro Tip: You’re entitled to a free credit report annually from each bureau. Request yours today at https://www.annualcreditreport.com.

5. Keep Old Accounts Open

The length of your credit history matters. Closing old accounts can shorten your history and reduce your available credit.

Even if you don’t use an old credit card often, keep it open and make a small purchase occasionally to keep it active.

Pro Tip: Avoid closing accounts unless they have high fees or other drawbacks.

Ready to Improve Your Credit? We Can Help

At Middlefield Bank, we offer tools and resources to help you strengthen your financial foundation. From budgeting tips to loan options, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact our team today or stop by your local branch to learn more.