How your credit score is calculated

Scoring models are proprietary, but the factor groups and their approximate weights are public. Knowing them tells you where your effort actually pays.

Quick takeaways

Payment history 35%, utilization 30% — that is the bulk.
Utilization is the fastest lever you control.
Income and demographics are not score factors.

The five factors

Payment history, about 35%. Amounts owed and utilization, about 30%. Length of credit history, about 15%. New credit and inquiries, about 10%. Credit mix, about 10%.

Where the leverage is

Two thirds of your score is payment history plus utilization, and utilization is the one you can change this month. Paying a card down before the statement closes can move a score fast.

What is not in your score

Income, employer, savings, age, race, religion and marital status are not scoring factors. Lenders may consider income separately, but it is not part of the score.

Want someone to look at your actual reports?

Start the free intake and a Knox specialist will walk your file with you — what can be challenged, what should stay, and what to do next. No cost, no obligation.