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Many Americans pay bills on time but still see little credit score improvement — here’s what really works for a stronger financial profile.

Many people are surprised when their credit score doesn’t rise despite a long streak of on-time payments. While staying current on your bills is crucial, it’s only part of the formula for a stronger credit profile. Credit scores rely on multiple factors, and understanding which payments help — and which don’t — can make a real difference when managing debt and planning for the future.