From WABC News:

From tax season to the economy, many of us have money on our minds this time of year. But if your credit score needs some improving, there are a few little-known things you can do to send it soaring.

If you want to bump your score, when you pay could make all the difference.

Typically, your balance as of your last statement date goes to the bureaus, not your due date. If you pay most of your bill by your statement date, you’ll lower how much you’re utilizing on the card and that could mean a score jump.

Next, add an installment loan, like an auto, mortgage, or personal loan. It’s one of the fastest ways to improve your score if you’re already using a credit card.
If you usually pay your debts on time, but a missed payment ended up on your credit, ask the creditor for a good-will deletion. If it hasn’t happened before, the lender will often remove the damage.

Something else to try: If you have an account in collections you could ask the collector to remove the debt from your credit report in exchange for paying off the debt entirely. It’s called “pay for deletion.” But before you pay anything, make sure you get it all in writing.

(Source: WABC)