Credit score: how to realistically increase yours

A credit score is a numerical rating, typically ranging from 0 to 1,000, calculated by credit bureaus such as Serasa, Boa Vista, SPC, and Quod to estimate the likelihood of an individual paying their bills on time. Banks use this score, along with income and existing banking relationships, to decide whether to extend credit and at what interest rate. There is no legitimate shortcut to boost it overnight, but certain behaviors make a real difference.

What affects the score

Each credit bureau uses its own model, but the factors are generally similar: payment history, delinquent or defaulted debts, recent inquiries on your CPF (Brazilian tax ID), length of credit history, and up-to-date registration details. A track record of on-time payments tends to carry more weight than any other factor.

Cadastro Positivo

Since 2019, under Complementary Law 166, inclusion in the Cadastro Positivo (positive credit registry) has been automatic. It tracks on-time payments for loans, credit cards, and, in some cases, utilities such as electricity and telephone services. Consumers with minimal negative records and a solid history of punctual payments usually benefit. You can review and dispute information for free on the credit bureaus' websites.

Helpful practices

Pay bills by their due date, ideally via direct debit. Settle delinquent debts: once paid, the creditor must request the removal of the negative record, and under established case law (Súmula 548 of the STJ, Brazil's Superior Court of Justice), this must occur within five business days. Keep your phone number, address, and income details updated with credit bureaus. Avoid applying for credit across multiple institutions within a short timeframe, as numerous back-to-back inquiries can signal urgent cash needs.

Common myths

Checking your own credit score does not lower it. Paying someone to increase your score is a scam: no legitimate company sells credit points. Having multiple credit cards does not automatically improve your score; keeping your credit utilization low and paying balances in full is what matters. A defaulted debt does not disappear from the system instantly upon payment, but it will no longer show as an active delinquency once cleared.

Unpaid debts also do not magically vanish: under the Consumer Defense Code, negative records may remain for up to five years, but this does not automatically extinguish the debt or prevent collection efforts within legal timeframes.

How long it takes

Positive changes typically appear gradually over several months of consistent on-time payments. Removing a default record can lead to a quicker score increase, but your recent credit history is still factored in. Monitor your score on a monthly basis, not daily.

Your score isn't everything

A high score does not guarantee credit approval, nor does an average score rule out getting credit. Verified income, current debt-to-income commitments, and your relationship with the bank also carry weight. More important than the score itself is avoiding the need for expensive credit: an emergency fund reduces reliance on loans and helps protect your credit score.