“How I Raised My Credit Score by 126 Points Since May 2, 2024, with Kikoff—And My Strategy for Smart Credit Card Use“ - By Bishop Martin Wilson



Building a solid credit score can be a game-changer, and I’m proof that with the right strategies, you can make significant progress in a relatively short period. Since May 2, 2024, I’ve boosted my credit score by an incredible 126 points, thanks to a combination of using Kikoff and managing my credit cards wisely. During this time, I also had increases to my credit limits and opened another credit card, which helped me further optimize my credit utilization ratio and keep my score on the rise.

Getting Started with Kikoff

After a friend recommended Kikoff, I signed up to see if it could help improve my credit. Kikoff offers a low-cost line of credit that’s reported to the credit bureaus, which helps build a positive payment history over time. The app was straightforward, and I appreciated the affordability and ease of managing payments. But one of the most important lessons I learned through this experience was the value of monitoring my credit utilization ratio.

Why Credit Utilization Matters

Credit utilization, the percentage of your available credit you’re using, plays a significant role in determining your credit score. Experts recommend keeping your utilization below 30%, which signals to lenders that you’re not overly reliant on credit. Keeping this in mind, I made it a priority to monitor my utilization carefully, especially as I saw my credit limits increase and took on a new credit card.

My Approach to Credit Card Usage

One of the key habits I developed was to use my credit cards for nearly all my purchases. From groceries to bills, most of my spending now goes through my credit cards. This way, I can take advantage of any rewards or cashback programs offered, while also building a consistent history of credit usage.

To keep my utilization ratio low, I pay down my balances frequently. Every time I get paid, I put extra money toward my credit card charges, often making multiple payments throughout the month. By paying down the balance consistently, I can keep my credit utilization low while also ensuring I have a high available balance.

Increases in Credit Limits and a New Card

Since starting with Kikoff, I’ve also received increases to my credit limits on existing cards, which has further helped me lower my overall utilization ratio. Additionally, I opened another credit card to increase my available credit. With the additional line of credit, I have more flexibility in my spending without pushing my utilization above that critical 30% threshold. By balancing my spending across these cards and paying them off regularly, I’ve been able to show lenders that I can manage multiple credit accounts responsibly.

How This Approach Helped Me Raise My Score

Since starting my journey on May 2, 2024, I’ve seen a steady increase in my credit score, thanks to a few key practices:

  1. Consistent Payments with Kikoff: Regular, on-time payments through Kikoff have contributed to a strong payment history, a major factor in credit score calculations.
  2. Careful Monitoring of Credit Utilization: By keeping my credit utilization below 30%, I’ve been able to positively impact my score. The increased credit limits and new credit card have given me more room to spend without affecting my ratio.
  3. Frequent Payments on Credit Cards: Using my credit cards for nearly all my purchases and paying off balances regularly has allowed me to manage my debt effectively, showing lenders that I can responsibly handle credit.

Tips for Success

If you’re looking to build or rebuild your credit, here are a few strategies that worked well for me:

1. Use Credit Cards for Everyday Spending: Put as much of your spending on credit cards as possible. This helps build a history of usage and keeps all of your purchases in one place.

2. Pay Down Balances Frequently: Don’t wait for the end of the month. Whenever you get paid, put extra money toward your credit card charges to reduce your balance. This keeps your utilization low and your available balance high.

3. Keep an Eye on Credit Limit Increases: If you qualify for a credit limit increase, it’s a great opportunity to lower your utilization. Just make sure to use the extra credit responsibly!

Final Thoughts

Since May 2, 2024, I’ve raised my credit score by 126 points by combining Kikoff with smart credit card management. By keeping a close eye on my credit utilization ratio, paying down balances regularly, and using credit for most of my daily purchases, I’ve been able to improve my credit profile significantly. If you’re serious about improving your credit, I recommend Kikoff and adopting a similar strategy to help you make the most of your available credit while keeping your utilization low. With patience and the right habits, you can achieve your credit goals and enjoy greater financial freedom.

From the Episcopal Desk of:

+Martin Wilson


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