(COLORADO SPRINGS) — March is National Credit Education Month and now is a good time to check on your credit score and consider ways to improve it, if needed.

Bree Shellito, Director of Financial Well-Being at Ent Credit Union joined FOX21 Morning News on Thursday, March 6, to talk about ways to create and keep a good credit score.

Your credit score impacts your ability to get loans, credit cards, and even rent an apartment, so Shellito said it’s important to know what it is and dispute anything that looks incorrect. Ent offers free credit score checks and you can also get a free credit report from all three major bureaus every year at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Below are some steps Shellito shared to improve your credit score. She said a score of 740 or above will get you the best rates.

Simple steps to improve credit

Pay credit card bills on time or early

Your payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score. Just one missed payment can stay on your report for years.

Set up autopay or reminders so you never miss a due date.

If you can, pay early – it can lower your balance before it’s reported to the credit bureaus.

Keep balances low

Credit utilization (how much of your your available credit you’re using) makes up about 30% of your score.

Keep your balances below 30% of your credit limit. Under 10% is even better.

Paying off balances in full each month helps you avoid interest and build strong credit habits.

Credit cards can be completely free to maintain and build credit.

Meet with a financial advisor or coach

Credit can be confusing and everyone’s situation is different. A financial coach can help you set goals, create a plan and make sure you’re on the right rack.

Anyone can connect with a coach for free at ent.com/coaching.