The blueprint to your credit score

Your credit score isn’t carved in stone, and that’s a win. Want better loan deals, lower interest rates, or just a little more financial breathing room? It all starts with understanding how your score works.Here’s the scoop on the five factors that drive your score – and how to steer them in your favor.

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1. Payment history (35%)

Paying your bills on time? Yeah, it’s a big deal. It’s the #1 factor for a reason. Even a single late payment can leave a mark for months (or years). But when you consistently pay on time, you’re basically telling lenders, “I’ve got this.” That reliability? Pure gold for your credit profile.

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2. Credit Utilization (30%)

How much of your available credit are you using? That’s called credit utilization and keeping it below 30% is the magic number. Think of it like this, on a $5,000 credit limit, aim for a balance of under $1,500. It shows lenders you’re managing your credit responsibly, which can boost your score over time. Even if you are paying on-time, maxed-out cards can freak lenders out. Keeping balances low is key to showing you’re smart with money and know how to handle it.

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3. Length of Credit History (15%)

Here, age does matter. The longer your accounts have been around, the better it is for your score. Closing older accounts can shorten your credit history and hurt your score. Why? Because lenders love seeing a track record that says, “I’m steady and reliable.” So, keeping old accounts open could be a smart move (as long as there are no fees) – even if they’re gathering dust.

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4. Credit Mix (10%)

Lenders love variety. Showing you can handle different types of credit like credit cards, loans, and mortgages proves you’re financially savvy. But don’t go opening accounts just to add variety. If you already have multiple lines of credit, focus on maintaining those accounts first and keep it simple.

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5. New Credit (10%)

Slow your roll on opening new accounts too fast. That can send red flags to lenders. Instead, be selective about when and why you apply. If it’s not necessary, hold off on new credit and avoid unnecessary credit applications.

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Your credit, your rules

Your credit score is not a big mystery. It all boils down to knowing what helps and making smart moves. A little awareness here, smart choice there, and you’re on your way. Before you know it, your credit score looks better than ever.

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You're calling the shots.

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