Credit Score: How It Works and Why It Matters

A credit score is a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness. It’s used by lenders, landlords, and even employers to assess how well you manage debt and financial obligations. Scores typically range from 300 to 850, with higher scores indicating better financial habits. Your credit score is calculated using the information in your credit report, which is maintained by the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Different scoring models, like FICO and VantageScore, may slightly vary in their calculations, but the core principles remain the same.

• Payment History (35%)- Your track record of paying bills on time is the most significant factor in determining your credit score. Late or missed payments can negatively impact your score, while consistent on-time payments improve it.
• Credit Utilization (30%)- This measures the percentage of your available credit that you’re using. For example, if you have a total credit limit of $10,000 and your balances total $3,000, your credit utilization rate is 30%. Experts recommend keeping this below 30% for optimal credit health.
• Length of Credit History (15%)- The longer your credit accounts have been active, the better. This includes the age of your oldest account, newest account, and the average age of all accounts. A long credit history demonstrates stability and reliability.
• Credit Mix (10%)- A diverse mix of credit accounts, such as credit cards, car loans, and mortgages, shows lenders you can handle different types of credit responsibly.
• New Credit Inquiries (10%)- Each time you apply for credit, a hard inquiry is recorded on your credit report. Too many inquiries within a short time can lower your score, as it may signal financial stress.

• Access to Credit– A good credit score makes it easier to qualify for loans, credit cards, and other financial products. It also gives you access to higher credit limits.
• Lower Interest Rates- Lenders reward borrowers with high credit scores by offering lower interest rates, saving you money over time.
• Better Financial Opportunities- From renting an apartment to negotiating insurance premiums, a strong credit score opens doors to better deals and greater flexibility.

• Pay Bills on Time- Set up reminders or automatic payments to ensure you never miss a due date. Late payments can significantly hurt your score.
• Reduce Credit Card Balances- Lower your credit utilization by paying down existing balances and avoiding new debt.
• Avoid Opening Too Many Accounts- Limit new credit applications to reduce hard inquiries on your report.
• Monitor Your Credit Report- Check your credit report regularly for errors or signs of identity theft. You’re entitled to a free report annually from each of the three bureaus.
• Keep Old Accounts Open- Closing old credit cards can shorten your credit history, so keep them open (even if you don’t use them frequently).

• Late or Missed Payments- Payment history is the most significant factor, so a single late payment can have a noticeable impact.
• High Credit Utilization- Maxing out credit cards or maintaining high balances signals risk to lenders.
• Too Many Credit Applications- Multiple hard inquiries within a short period can lower your score.
• Defaulting on Loans- Defaults, bankruptcies, or foreclosures can severely damage your score for years.