Credit Score Simulator 2026
Analyze your FICO score factors and simulate how different actions could affect your credit score.
Your Credit Profile
Your Credit Score
680
Good
Score Range: 670-739
Score Factor Analysis
Top Recommendations
Pay Down Credit Card Balances
Reduce utilization from 35% to below 30%
+30 pts·1-2 months
Request Credit Limit Increase
Lower utilization without paying down balance
+9 pts·Immediate (if no hard pull)
Become an Authorized User
Get added to a family member's old, low-utilization card
+6 pts·1-2 months
All Simulation Scenarios
| Action | Impact | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
Pay Down Credit Card Balances Reduce utilization from 35% to below 30% | +30 pts | 1-2 months |
Request Credit Limit Increase Lower utilization without paying down balance | +9 pts | Immediate (if no hard pull) |
Become an Authorized User Get added to a family member's old, low-utilization card | +6 pts | 1-2 months |
Open a New Credit Card Increases total credit limit and improves credit mix | +5 pts | 3-6 months (short-term dip from inquiry) |
Close Oldest Credit Card Reduces credit history length and total available credit | -15 pts | Immediate negative impact |
FICO Score Ranges
Disclaimer
- This is a simulator based on general FICO scoring factors. Your actual score may differ.
- FICO scores are calculated using proprietary models not fully disclosed to the public.
- Point estimates are approximate and vary based on individual credit profiles.
- Check your official score free at AnnualCreditReport.com.
How FICO Scores Are Calculated
FICO scores range from 300 to 850 and are used by 90% of top lenders to make credit decisions. Your score is based on five factors, each weighted differently:
| Factor | Weight | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Payment History | 35% | On-time payments vs. late payments, collections, bankruptcies |
| Credit Utilization | 30% | How much of your available credit you're using |
| Length of Credit History | 15% | Age of your oldest account and average age of all accounts |
| Credit Mix | 10% | Variety of credit types (cards, loans, mortgage) |
| New Credit | 10% | Recent applications and hard inquiries |
Credit Score Ranges
Here's what your score means and how lenders view each range:
| Score Range | Rating | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 800-850 | Exceptional | Best rates and terms available |
| 740-799 | Very Good | Better than average rates |
| 670-739 | Good | Qualify for most products at reasonable rates |
| 580-669 | Fair | Subprime borrower, higher interest rates |
| 300-579 | Poor | May be denied credit; secured cards may help rebuild |
Top Ways to Improve Your Credit Score
1. Pay Down Credit Card Balances
Credit utilization is the single fastest way to boost your score. Keeping utilization below 30% is "good," but below 10% is ideal. If you have $8,000 in debt on a $23,000 total limit (35%), paying down to $2,300 (10%) could boost your score 20-40 points within one billing cycle.
2. Make All Payments on Time
Payment history is the largest factor (35%). A single 30-day late payment can drop your score 50-100 points. Set up autopay for at least the minimum payment to avoid accidental missed payments.
3. Don't Close Old Cards
Closing your oldest card shortens your credit history and reduces total available credit (raising utilization). If the card has no annual fee, keep it open and use it occasionally to prevent the issuer from closing it.
Get your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com→Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a hard and soft inquiry?
A hard inquiry happens when you apply for credit (loan, credit card, mortgage) and can lower your score by 5-10 points for about 12 months. A soft inquiry(checking your own score, pre-qualification offers) does not affect your score at all.
How long do negative marks stay on my credit report?
Late payments remain for 7 years. Bankruptcies stay for 7-10 years. Collections remain for 7 years from the original delinquency date. Hard inquiries affect scoring for 12 months but remain visible for 2 years. The impact of all negative marks diminishes over time.
Will checking my own score lower it?
No. Checking your own credit is a soft inquiry and has no impact on your score. Monitor your score regularly — you can check it for free through many banks, credit card issuers, or at AnnualCreditReport.com.
How does credit score affect mortgage rates?
A difference of 100 points can mean 0.5-1.0% in mortgage rate difference. On a $300,000 30-year mortgage, that's $30,000-$60,000 in extra interest over the life of the loan. Use our Mortgage Calculator to see how rate changes affect your payment.
FTC's guide to free credit reports→