What moves your credit score

Past repayment is the largest of FICO's general factor categories. Autopay can help, but check available funds and confirm each payment posts. Reported missed payments can harm a score; the effect depends on the rest of the file.

This includes balances, how many accounts have balances and revolving utilization: the amount reported relative to available limits. Lower reported utilization can help, but 30% is not a universal safe cutoff and no payment amount guarantees points.

Models consider the age of accounts and other history. Closing a card can reduce available credit and raise utilization; a closed account can still remain on a report. Weigh fees and overspending risk before keeping an unwanted card only for its age.

Managing different kinds of credit — a card, an auto loan, a mortgage — shows lenders versatility. Don't take on debt just for the mix, but a natural blend over time is a small plus.

Each application can add a hard inquiry and lower your average account age. A few over time is fine; many in a short window can look risky. Rate-shopping for one loan in a short window is usually treated as a single inquiry.