There are five main factors that determine your credit score, each one weighing differently. The five main factors are:
Payment History – 35%
Paying debt on time and in full has a positive impact.
Late payment, judgments and charge-offs have a negative impact.
Outstanding Credit Balances – 30%
Keep balances below 50% of limit – below 30% is even wiser. Do NOT close accounts.
Pay outstanding debt down as close to zero as possible.
Evenly redistribute the remaining balance among open lines.
Length of Credit History – 15%
The length of time a particular credit line has been opened is important. A seasoned borrower is stronger.
Types of Credit (Healthy Mix) – 10%
A mix of auto loans, credit cards and mortgages is positive- rather than a concentration in credit cards only.
New Inquiries – 10%
Don’t “over-apply” for credit.
Auto and mortgage inquiries receive special treatment, and 20 inquiries can be made in a 14-day period and will be treated as only one inquiry.
Each hard inquiry can cost 2-50 points on a credit score.