Quick answer
A credit score is a prediction of your credit behaviour, such as how likely you are to repay a loan on time, calculated from the information in your credit reports[1]. In the US most scores range from 300 to 850; higher means lower risk.
Key points
- The score is calculated from your credit report; the report is the underlying record.
- You have several scores, because models, bureaus and dates differ.
- Payment history and amounts owed carry the most weight in FICO Scores.
On this page
#What goes into a credit score?
Scoring models look at the records lenders send to credit bureaus. The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau lists payment history, how much you owe, the number and type of accounts, how long they have been open, how much available credit you use, recent applications and negative events such as collections or bankruptcy[1]. FICO publishes general weights for its scores: payment history 35%, amounts owed 30%, length of credit history 15%, new credit 10% and credit mix 10%[2]. Our full guide how credit scores work explains each factor.
#Is there one official credit score?
No. The CFPB notes that different scoring models, data from different bureaus and the date of calculation all produce different scores[1]. In the UK, MoneyHelper explains that each credit reference agency calculates its own score and each lender applies its own criteria[3].
Worked example
Example
Maya has two cards: a $600 balance on a $1,000 limit and $300 on a $2,000 limit. Her total utilisation is $900 ÷ $3,000 = 30% (computed with code). Paying the total down to $300 lowers it to 10%. Lower utilisation generally reads as lower risk in the 'amounts owed' category, though only the scoring company knows the exact effect.
#Who uses credit scores?
Lenders use them to decide whether to approve mortgages, cards and car loans and to set interest rates and limits; scores can also be used in tenant screening and insurance[1]. People without enough history to be scored can sometimes be assessed with alternative credit data. A lower score usually means a higher APR.
Frequently asked questions
Does checking my own score lower it?
No. Checking your own report is a soft search and does not affect your score[3].
What range do credit scores use?
Most US credit scores range from 300 to 850[1]; UK agencies use their own scales.
Sources
- What is a credit score? — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 2026 Primary
- What's in my FICO Scores? — FICO (myFICO) Primary
- How to check your credit report for free — MoneyHelper (Money and Pensions Service) Primary
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