How FICO scores work: the five factors

FICO scores range from 300 to 850 and are based on five categories: payment history (about 35%), amounts owed (about 30%), length of credit history (about 15%), new credit (about 10%) and credit mix (about 10%).

The five factors

• Payment history, about 35%: whether you pay on time, and how late, how recent and how often any late payments were.
• Amounts owed, about 30%: especially how much of your card limits you are using.
• Length of credit history, about 15%: the age of your oldest, newest and average accounts.
• New credit, about 10%: recently opened accounts and recent hard inquiries.
• Credit mix, about 10%: having different types, such as cards and installment loans.

What FICO scores do not consider

FICO scores do not use your race, color, religion, national origin, sex or marital status, and they do not consider salary, occupation or where you live.

Score ranges

FICO describes scores from 670 to 739 as good, 740 to 799 as very good, and 800 and above as exceptional. Lenders set their own requirements, and the percentages above are general guidance for the population as a whole.

FICO and VantageScore

VantageScore is a separate scoring model created by the three bureaus. It uses the same reports but weighs information differently, so the numbers may not match. Many free apps show VantageScore.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• myFICO — What’s in my FICO Scores?
• CFPB — Submit a complaint

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and lender practices change; check the official sources above for current details.

Accurate, verifiable records may legally remain. We do not guarantee removal or any specific score. You may also dispute errors directly with the credit bureaus for free.