What affects your score
Payment history and amounts owed are the largest factors. Length of credit history, mix of account types, and recent applications also matter. Pay on time, keep balances low relative to limits, and avoid opening many new accounts at once.
Reading your credit report
You can request free weekly reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review for errors, unfamiliar accounts, and signs of identity theft. Dispute inaccuracies with bureaus and furnishers in writing.
Building or rebuilding credit
Secured cards, becoming an authorized user responsibly, and credit-builder loans can help thin files. Always pay in full when possible; interest on carried balances works against wealth building.
Ready to go deeper?
Credit Management course →Frequently asked questions
What is a good credit score?▼
Scores roughly above 670 are often considered good; above 740 is very good. Lenders set their own thresholds.
Will checking my score hurt it?▼
Checking your own score is a soft inquiry and does not harm your score.
Should I close old credit cards?▼
Closing old cards can shorten credit history and raise utilization. Often keep old accounts open with occasional small charges paid off.