How Credit Scores Are Really Calculated (and What Moves Them Fastest)

By Built By One Editorial Team · Published 2026-09-29 · Last updated 2026-09-29

The five FICO factors explained in plain English, plus the quickest legal ways to raise your score.

A FICO score runs from 300 to 850 and is built from five factors. Knowing the weights tells you where to focus.

1. Payment history — 35%

On-time payments matter most. A single 30-day late can cost dozens of points. Automate every minimum payment.

2. Amounts owed (utilization) — 30%

How much of your available credit you use. Under 30% is good, under 10% is best. Utilization has no memory, so paying down before your statement date can raise your score within a month — the fastest legal lever.

3. Length of history — 15%

Average age of accounts. Keep old, no-fee cards open.

4. Credit mix — 10%

Having both revolving (cards) and installment (loans) accounts helps a little. A credit-builder loan can add mix cheaply.

5. New credit — 10%

Many hard inquiries in a short time signal risk. Rate-shopping for a mortgage or car within about 14–45 days counts as one.

FICO vs. VantageScore

Lenders mostly use FICO; many free apps show VantageScore. They use similar data but different weights, so numbers can differ.

What to do this month

• Pay card balances before the statement closes.
• Dispute inaccurate negatives (see our dispute letter guide).
• Don't open new accounts right before a big loan.

Try the free credit score calculator or grab the DIY Credit Repair Package.