Credit scores explained: ranges and what goes into them
Base FICO Scores run from 300 to 850. Five factors determine the score, and payment history and amounts owed count the most.
Sourced from official pages · Updated September 30, 2026💡 Key takeaways
- Base FICO Scores range from 300 to 850; your score can differ between lenders because there are several scoring models.
- Payment history (35%) and amounts owed (30%) make up about two-thirds of a FICO Score.
- Length of history (15%), new credit (10%) and credit mix (10%) make up the rest.
- Your score comes from your credit reports, so check the reports first.
What a credit score is
A credit score is a number that summarizes the information in your credit report to help lenders judge how likely you are to repay. Lenders use it to decide whether to lend to you and at what rate. Base FICO Scores range from 300 to 850. There are several scoring models and versions, so your score can differ between lenders and apps.
The five FICO factors
| Factor | Weight in FICO Scores | What it looks at |
|---|---|---|
| Payment history | 35% | Whether you have paid past credit accounts on time |
| Amounts owed | 30% | How much of your available credit you are using and how much you owe |
| Length of credit history | 15% | How long your accounts have been open |
| New credit | 10% | Recently opened accounts and credit inquiries |
| Credit mix | 10% | The mix of credit cards, installment loans and other accounts |
What it means in practice
- Paying every bill on time matters most.
- Using a smaller share of your credit limits is generally better than using a large share.
- Opening many accounts in a short time can look risky.
- Older accounts in good standing help your history.
The exact effect of any action depends on your whole credit file.
Check your own reports
Your score comes from your credit reports, so start by reading them; see how to get free credit reports.
Each factor explained
| Factor | Share | What helps | What hurts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment history | 35% | Paying every bill on time | Late payments, collections, bankruptcies |
| Amounts owed | 30% | Keeping balances low relative to credit limits | Maxed-out cards, high balances |
| Length of credit history | 15% | Keeping older accounts open and in good standing | Only new accounts |
| New credit | 10% | Applying only when you need credit | Many new accounts or inquiries in a short time |
| Credit mix | 10% | A healthy mix of cards and installment loans over time | Opening accounts only to add variety |
Credit reports vs scores vs credit monitoring
A credit report is the record of your accounts and payment history kept by Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. A score is a number calculated from a report. Monitoring is a service that alerts you to changes. Free weekly reports are available; see how to get your free credit reports.
What lenders do with your score
Lenders use scores to decide whether to approve you and what rate to offer. A higher score can mean a lower APR on cards, loans and mortgages. Some insurers and landlords may also look at credit-based information; rules vary by state and use.
How lenders read your score
Lenders do not look at your score in isolation. For a credit card, they look at your score and income; for a mortgage, they also look at your debt-to-income ratio, your down payment and the property. A higher score can help you qualify for lower rates, but each lender sets its own rules and cutoffs, so ask before you assume you do or do not qualify.
Some lenders use industry-specific scores, such as versions built for auto lending or credit cards, which can differ from the general-purpose score you see in an app. That is one reason the number you see may not match the number a lender pulls.
Why your score is not the same everywhere
Three things cause differences: (1) the credit bureau the score is based on, since your Equifax, Experian and TransUnion files may not contain identical information; (2) the scoring model and version, such as different FICO versions; and (3) timing, since your score changes whenever the data in your file changes. A gap of a few points between two apps is normal and is not a sign of an error by itself.
Common situations and what tends to happen
| Situation | What it may do to your score | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| You miss a payment by 30 days or more | Can cause a significant drop and stays on your report | Pay as soon as you can, then set up autopay; ask the lender if they will remove a one-time late mark as a goodwill gesture |
| You max out a card, even if you pay it off later | Can lower your score while the high balance is reported | Pay before the statement closing date if you want a lower balance to be reported |
| You apply for several cards in a short time | Several hard inquiries and new accounts can lower your score | Space out applications; use pre-qualification tools with soft checks |
| You close your oldest card | May reduce available credit and eventually shorten your average history | Keep it open if it has no annual fee, using it occasionally |
| You have no credit history | No score, or a score that is hard to compute | Consider a secured card, credit-builder loan or authorized-user status that is reported to the bureaus |
Building a habit-based plan
- Automate the minimum on every account so you never miss a due date.
- Pay statement balances in full where possible; the balance reported to the bureaus is usually the statement balance.
- Review your reports at least once a year; use the free weekly reports.
- Limit hard inquiries to credit you genuinely need.
- Keep old accounts open when they cost you nothing.
⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid
- Closing old cards without considering the effect on history and available credit.
- Applying for several cards in a short time.
- Ignoring errors on your credit report.
- Assuming there is one “true” score — different lenders may use different scoring models.
- Paying a company to “repair” credit when you can dispute errors free.
- Believing you must carry a balance to build credit — paying in full works and saves interest.
- Checking many different “credit boosters” or paying for score guarantees.
🛠️ Try it yourself
❓ Frequently asked questions
What is a good credit score?
Lenders set their own ranges; generally a higher score gets better terms. Check the terms for the loan you want.
Does checking my own score hurt it?
No, checking your own credit is a soft inquiry and does not affect your score.
How often does my score change?
Whenever the information on your report changes; scores can differ by day and by model.
How can I raise my score fastest?
Pay on time and reduce balances; see the improvement guide.
Why is my FICO Score different from my credit card app’s score?
Apps may show a different scoring model or version, or a score based on a different bureau. Each lender chooses which score to use.
Do I have just one credit score?
No. There are many scoring models and versions, and each bureau’s file may differ slightly.
Will paying off a loan hurt my score?
Paying off a loan is good for your finances; your score may move slightly if the mix or average age of accounts changes, but that should not stop you from repaying debt.
How long does it take to build a credit score from nothing?
It generally takes some months of reported activity for a score to appear; the exact time depends on the scoring model.
📚 Sources
This guide is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules and limits change; confirm with the sources above or a licensed professional.