Biggest wins
Payment history (35%) and utilization (30%) move the needle most. Protect them first.
Payment history
35%
Utilization
30%
Score mechanics
Score Mechanics
The five FICO® factors show what matters most. Protect payment history and utilization first, then keep steady habits for age, mix, and new credit.
- Payment history weight35%
- Utilization weight30%
- Length of history15%
- Mix & new credit10%
Key moves
Autopay minimumsPay before statementTrack utilizationAge accounts
Payment history
35%
Pay on time. Even one 30-day late mark can stay for seven years.
Autopay the minimumSet reminders a few days earlyCatch up fast if you fall behind
Amounts owed (utilization)
30%
Looks at balances versus limits on credit cards. Statement dates—not due dates—are what matter.
Pay cards before statements closeStay under 30% overall and aim for single digitsTry AZEO: one card reports 1–9%
Length of credit history
15%
Older accounts help. Closing old cards can shrink your average age.
Keep no-fee old accounts openAdd new accounts only when neededConsider an authorized user spot on a trusted card
Credit mix
10%
Having both installment loans and credit cards shows variety.
Borrow only when it fits your goalsKeep loans and cards in good standing
New credit
10%
Lots of new accounts or hard pulls at once can lower your score for a bit.
Group applications within about two weeksUse soft-inquiry prequalification when you canLeave a few months between credit card applications
Do this / Don’t do this
Do this
- Pay at least the minimum on time each month.
- Keep utilization under 30% and aim for single digits.
- Hold onto your oldest low-cost accounts.
- Apply for new credit only when you need it.
- Check your reports often to catch mistakes or fraud.
Don’t do this
- Skip payments or ignore due dates.
- Let balances sit near the limit.
- Close your oldest cards without a plan.
- Open a bunch of accounts at once for perks.
- Assume reports are fine without looking.
Simple plan
- 1. Turn on autopay for every card’s minimum and add calendar reminders.
- 2. Before statements close, pay balances to single-digit percentages.
- 3. Keep your oldest low-cost account open and limit new applications.