FICO credit scores are based on five main categories of information from your credit report
Payment history carries the most weight in determining your
credit score. This includes your record of on-time payments on accounts like credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages, as well as any negative marks such as late payments, collections, or bankruptcies. If your
credit report includes late payments or other derogatory information, keep in mind that the impact of these items generally lessens over time. Most negative entries eventually fall off your credit report—typically after seven years.
Credit utilization is another major factor. This refers to how much of your available credit you're currently using, particularly on revolving accounts like credit cards. High utilization ratios can lower your score, but the good news is that this factor is relatively easy to improve. Paying down your balances, requesting credit limit increases, or strategically shifting balances between accounts can quickly reduce your utilization and positively affect your score.
Payment history carries the most weight in determining your
credit score. This includes your record of on-time payments on accounts like credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages, as well as any negative marks such as late payments, collections, or bankruptcies. If your
credit report includes late payments or other derogatory information, keep in mind that the impact of these items generally lessens over time. Most negative entries eventually fall off your credit report—typically after seven years.
Credit utilization is another major factor. This refers to how much of your available credit you're currently using, particularly on revolving accounts like credit cards. High utilization ratios can lower your score, but the good news is that this factor is relatively easy to improve. Paying down your balances, requesting credit limit increases, or strategically shifting balances between accounts can quickly reduce your utilization and positively affect your score.