Quick Answer
Payment history is typically the largest single factor in credit scoring - accounting for around 35% of a FICO score.
Key Takeaways
- A single 30-day late can cause significant score impact.
- Recent lates matter more than older ones.
- Consistent on-time payment is the strongest score-building habit.
Recency Matters
Scoring models weight recent payment behavior more heavily than older patterns - meaning recovery from a late payment accelerates as time passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do late payments stay on a report?
Most negative items remain for seven years, though their score impact diminishes over time.