How to protect your credit score

At a Glance: The most effective way to protect your credit score is to monitor your credit reports regularly, watch for unusual changes, and take steps to prevent fraud and identity theft. Tools such as credit monitoring, fraud alerts, and credit freezes can help stop unauthorized activity before it causes lasting damage. Responsible credit management combined with early detection helps maintain long-term credit health.

A poor credit score can affect loan approvals, interest rates, and access to new credit. While responsible financial habits help protect and improve your score, mistakes, errors, or fraudulent activity can negatively impact your credit—even when the activity is not your fault.

How do data breaches and identity theft affect your credit score?

Data breaches can expose sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, credit card details, bank account information, and/or medical records. Stolen information may be used to open fraudulent accounts or misuse existing credit, which can negatively affect your credit score.

Even when consumers take steps to protect their personal information, they do not control how organizations store or secure their data. Because data breaches commonly occur across business, healthcare, education, financial, and government sectors, regular credit monitoring helps detect fraudulent activity early—before long-term damage occurs.

How do errors on your credit report affect your credit score?

Errors and inaccuracies on credit reports may lower credit scores and may lead to higher interest rates or denied credit. Common issues include incorrect balances, misreported payment history, or accounts that do not belong to you.

What to do if you find an error

• Review reports from all three credit bureaus
• Dispute incorrect information promptly
• Follow up to ensure inaccuracies are corrected

How to lock or freeze your credit to prevent identity theft

A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report so new accounts cannot be opened without your permission. Freezing your credit can help prevent identity thieves from opening fraudulent accounts, while still allowing you to temporarily lift or remove the freeze when applying for credit yourself.

Improving your credit score

Though it's possible to correct errors in your credit report in 30 to 60 days, repairing a damaged credit report can take 12 to 18 months-meaning your score can be incorrect for just as long.

When it comes to your FICO® Score, managing your credit responsibly also goes a long way:

• Pay your bills on time
  Late payments and accounts referred to collections agencies can have a major impact on your FICO Score.
• Keep balances low on credit cards relative to their credit limits
  High outstanding debt can affect your credit score.
• Pay off debt rather than moving it around
  A reliable way to improve your credit score is by paying down your credit card debt.
• Don't open new credit cards just to increase your available credit
  This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit score.
• Open new credit accounts only as needed
  A cautious approach to taking on new credit will help you maintain a good score.

Protecting your credit score is easier and far less costly than repairing it after damage occurs. By monitoring your credit, addressing inaccuracies, and practicing responsible credit habits, you can reduce risk and maintain long-term financial stability.

FAQs: Protecting your credit score

What’s the most effective way to protect your score online?

The most effective way to protect your credit score online is to monitor your credit reports regularly, watch for unusual activity, and use tools like credit freezes or fraud alerts to prevent unauthorized access.

What’s the best way to protect your credit from fraud?

Combining credit monitoring with preventative tools helps detect and stop fraudulent activity before it affects your score.

How can you track your credit report for unusual changes?

Review your credit reports frequently to identify unfamiliar accounts, inquiries, or balance changes that may indicate fraud or errors.