# Which credit rebuilding actions have the highest impact?

> Ranked by impact: (1) Payment history — 35% of score, never miss any payment, set up auto-pay.

Category: Qualification
Last verified: 2026-02-18
Source: https://ratellow.com/faqs/qualification/which-credit-rebuilding-actions-have-the-highest-impact

## Answer
Ranked by impact: (1) Payment history — 35% of score, never miss any payment, set up auto-pay. (2) Credit utilization — 30% of score, keep balances below 30% of limits. (3) Credit history length — 15%, keep oldest accounts open. (4) Credit mix — 10%, have both revolving (credit card) and installment (loan) accounts. (5) New inquiries — 10%, minimize applications. A secured credit card with $1,000-2,000 limit used at 20-30% utilization with full monthly payoff is the single fastest rebuilder.

## Related guide
- https://ratellow.com/guides/credit-repair-mortgage-readiness

## Sources
- FCAC Consumer Credit Protection — https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/industry/laws-regulations/guideline-existing-mortgage-loans-exceptional-circumstances.html#toc1
- CMHC Credit Score Requirements — https://assets.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/sf/project/cmhc/pdfs/factsheets/new/cmhc-quick-reference.pdf