Credit Score
Credit Score Basics: What Every U.S. Borrower Should Know
FinanceScoreAI Editorial Published 2026-05-20Updated 2026-06-286 min read
Understand what makes up your FICO score and how to improve it over time.
What is a credit score?
A credit score is a 3-digit number (typically 300–850) that summarizes your credit history. Lenders use it as one input when reviewing loan applications.
The 5 FICO factors
FICO scores are built from five categories.
- • Payment history (35%)
- • Amounts owed / utilization (30%)
- • Length of credit history (15%)
- • Credit mix (10%)
- • New credit (10%)
How to improve your score
Pay on time every month, keep credit card balances below 30% of your limit, and avoid opening several accounts in a short window. Time and consistency are the biggest levers.
FAQs
Ready to check your eligibility?
Free, secure, and independent. No credit impact at review.