1. Utilization above 30%
If your balance on any revolving card is more than 30% of its limit, you're leaving points on the table. Push it under 10% before your statement closes and watch your score climb.
2. Medical collections you forgot about
A $150 ER co-pay from 2 years ago can tank a mortgage application. Pull your reports every 4 months — these show up without warning.
3. Authorized-user accounts gone wrong
Being added to someone else's high-utilization card can drop your score overnight. Remove yourself, or add yourself only to clean, high-limit cards.
4. Too many recent inquiries
Every hard pull in the last 12 months hurts. Space out applications and never let a lender shop your loan to multiple banks outside a 14-day window.
5. Closed oldest account
Closing a credit card shortens your average account age. Keep the card open, use it once a quarter, and pay it off.
