Understanding FICO Credit Score Factors

five-piece pie chart showing portions that influence FICO score

five-piece pie chart showing portion of piece that influences FICO score

KNOW THE FIVE FICO^® SCORE FACTORS

Your payment history.
(35% of your score)

The most important factor. A record of paying bills on time shows you can be trusted.

What you currently owe.
(30% of your score)

Having some debt isn’t a problem. Approaching the maximum of existing lines of credit may appear risky.

Your credit history.
(15% of your score)

How long you’ve had credit accounts and how recently you’ve used them. If you’re a young borrower, no worries — you’ll build your history over time.

Your credit mix.
(10% of your score)

Credit cards, car and mortgage loans, retail accounts, etc. There’s no perfect mix but demonstrating that you can manage a range of different credit lines looks good.

pie chart showing portion of piece that influences FICO score

New credit you’ve applied for.
(10% of your score)

This is a small factor but applying for multiple new lines of credit may raise cause for concern.

The Wisely card is not a credit card. It is a prepaid card and does not build credit. ↩

The Wisely Pay Visa^® is issued by Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Member FDIC or Pathward^®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. The Wisely Pay Mastercard^® is issued by Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Member FDIC or Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. The Wisely Direct Mastercard is issued by Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. ADP is a registered ISO of Fifth Third Bank, N.A., or Pathward, N.A. The Wisely Pay Visa card can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Visa and the Visa logo are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association. The Wisely Pay Mastercard and Wisely Direct Mastercard can be used where debit Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Know the five FICO score factors.

Your payment history. (35% of your score)

What you currently owe. (30% of your score)

Your credit history. (15% of your score)

Your credit mix. (10% of your score)

New credit you’ve applied for. (10% of your score)

Your payment history.
(35% of your score)

What you currently owe.
(30% of your score)

Your credit history.
(15% of your score)

Your credit mix.
(10% of your score)

New credit you’ve applied for.
(10% of your score)