To raise a credit score effectively, several key actions should be taken:

• Pay bills on time: This is the most influential factor in credit scoring. Consistently making payments by their due dates helps avoid negative marks on the credit report and builds a positive payment history.
• Keep credit card balances low: Aim to use less than 30% of the available credit limit to lower credit utilization, which positively impacts credit scores.
• Ask for higher credit limits: Increasing your credit limit without increasing spending lowers your overall credit utilization ratio.
• Become an authorized user: If added to a trusted person's credit card with a good payment history and high credit limit, your credit profile can benefit.
• Use a secured credit card: For those with low or no credit, secured cards help build credit by reporting positive payment activity.
• Get credit for rent and utility payments: Some services report on-time rent and utility payments to credit bureaus, enhancing credit profiles.
• Check and correct credit report errors: Disputing inaccuracies can remove negative items affecting your score.
• Limit hard credit inquiries: Applying for too much new credit in a short time can hurt your score; opt for soft checks when possible.
• Maintain long-standing accounts: Older accounts with positive history suggest responsible credit management.

These steps, especially paying bills on time and maintaining low credit utilization, can raise a credit score often within as little as 30 days. However, the time and impact vary based on individual credit history and circumstances.