How to Rebuild Credit After Collections

Rebuilding is a sequence, not a hack: clean up what's wrong, stop the bleeding, then add positive history. Done consistently, scores recover faster than most people expect.

Step 1: Clean the report

Dispute inaccurate collections, re-aged dates, and Metro 2 inconsistencies. Every deleted error is an instant gain that costs nothing.

Step 2: Fix utilization

Get revolving balances under 30% — ideally under 10%. Utilization is one of the fastest-moving score factors.

Step 3: Add positive tradelines

• A secured card, paid in full monthly
• A credit-builder loan
• Becoming an authorized user on a healthy account

Then let time do the rest — payment history and account age compound in your favor.