: The age of your oldest and newest accounts. Longer histories generally result in higher scores.
: Your record of making on-time payments. This is the most influential factor.
A credit score is a three-digit number, typically ranging from , that summarizes your creditworthiness. It acts as a "financial report card," telling lenders how likely you are to repay debt on time. 1. How Credit Scores Are Calculated
: Opening too many new accounts in a short period can be seen as a "red flag" by lenders. 2. Credit Score Ranges
Higher scores suggest you are a lower risk to lenders, often leading to better interest rates and loan terms. While ranges vary by model, a general breakdown includes: : Exceptional 740–799 : Very Good 670–739 : Good 580–669 : Fair 300–579 : Poor 3. The Three Major Bureaus A guide to understanding your credit score