FICO Score Factor Weights
Factor 1: Payment History (35%)
The single most important factor. This tracks whether you pay your bills on time across all credit accounts - credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, student loans, and even some utilities.
| Action | Impact | How Long It Stays |
|---|---|---|
| On-time payment (every month) | Positive | 7 years (positive) |
| 30-day late payment | -60 to -110 points | 7 years from delinquency |
| 60-day late payment | -80 to -130 points | 7 years from delinquency |
| 90+ day late / default | -100 to -150 points | 7 years from delinquency |
| Collection account | Severe | 7 years from original delinquency |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) | Devastating | 10 years |
| Foreclosure | Severe | 7 years |
Protect Payment History Above All Else
Factor 2: Amounts Owed / Utilization (30%)
This measures how much of your available revolving credit you're using. It's calculated both per-card and across all cards combined. This factor is the most rapidly changeable - unlike payment history, it has no memory and resets each month.
Read our comprehensive credit utilization strategy guide for detailed tactics.
Factor 3: Length of Credit History (15%)
This considers three sub-factors: the age of your oldest account, the age of your newest account, and the average age of all accounts. Longer history means a more established track record.
Why Closing Old Cards Hurts
Factor 4: Credit Mix (10%)
Having a diverse portfolio of credit types demonstrates you can manage different credit responsibly. Ideally, your profile includes both revolving credit (credit cards, lines of credit) and installment loans (mortgage, auto, student, personal).
Factor 5: New Credit / Inquiries (10%)
When you apply for new credit, the lender runs a "hard inquiry" that temporarily reduces your score by 5–10 points. Multiple applications in a short period can signal financial stress.
Rate Shopping Exception
What Does NOT Affect Your Score
| Factor | Affects Score? |
|---|---|
| Income or wealth | No |
| Employment status | No |
| Checking or savings account balances | No |
| Soft inquiries (own credit checks, pre-approvals) | No |
| Age or demographic information | No (illegal) |
| Debit card transactions | No |
| Rent payments (generally) | No (unless added via reporting service) |
Now that you understand all five factors, see how they interact in our score improvement guide and model changes with the credit score simulator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does checking my credit score affect it?
No. Checking your own score is a 'soft inquiry' that has zero impact. Only 'hard inquiries' from lenders when you apply for credit can temporarily lower your score.
Does income affect your credit score?
No. Your income, savings, net worth, and employment status do not directly factor into your credit score. Scores are based entirely on credit history and usage patterns.
How long until negative information stops affecting my score?
Most negative items lose significant impact after 2–3 years and are fully removed after 7 years. Bankruptcies stay for 7–10 years.
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