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Credit Score, in plain language
What moves your score and what doesn't.
What to know
- Payment history is typically the biggest factor
- Utilization compares balances to your limits
- Length of history and credit mix matter too
- Checking your own report is a harmless soft inquiry
Watch out: Closing your oldest card can shorten your history and raise utilization — sometimes lowering your score.
Key terms
UtilizationBalances divided by total credit limits.
Hard inquiryA lender's credit check that can dip your score briefly.
Soft inquiryA check (like your own) with no score impact.
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