Complete Guide
Credit Score Tips
Understand what makes up your credit score and learn actionable strategies to improve it.
Credit Score Ranges
Exceptional800-850
Best rates on everything. Top credit card offers.
Very Good740-799
Great rates. Most premium cards available.
Good670-739
Competitive rates. Most cards accessible.
Fair580-669
Higher rates. Limited premium options.
Poor300-579
Difficulty getting approved. Secured cards can help.
Score Explorer
Drag the slider to explore different score ranges.
680
Good300850
What Makes Up Your Score
📅
Payment History
35%Your track record of paying bills on time. Even one missed payment can significantly impact your score.
✓Set up autopay for at least the minimum payment
✓Use calendar reminders 5 days before due dates
✓Contact your lender immediately if you might miss a payment
✓A 30-day late payment can drop your score 80-110 points
📊
Credit Utilization
30%How much of your available credit you're using. Lower is better — aim to keep this under 30%, ideally under 10%.
✓Keep balances below 30% of your credit limit
✓Pay down balances before the statement closes
✓Request credit limit increases (without hard pull)
✓Spread spending across multiple cards
⏳
Length of History
15%The average age of your credit accounts. Longer history generally means a higher score.
✓Keep your oldest credit card open, even if unused
✓Use old cards occasionally to prevent closure
✓Think twice before opening many new accounts
✓Become an authorized user on a parent's old card
🎯
Credit Mix
10%Having a variety of account types (credit cards, installment loans, mortgage) shows you can manage different types of debt.
✓Don't open accounts just for mix — it's only 10%
✓A credit card + installment loan is a good start
✓Student loans and car loans help build mix
✓Credit-builder loans can help if starting out
🔍
New Credit Inquiries
10%Hard inquiries from credit applications. Each one can temporarily lower your score by a few points.
✓Space out credit applications by 3-6 months
✓Rate-shop for mortgages/auto loans within 14-45 days
✓Checking your own score is a soft pull (no impact)
✓Pre-qualification checks are usually soft pulls