What does Experian use to calculate credit score?
Quick Answer
Payment history, the number and type of credit accounts, your used vs. available credit and the length of your credit history are factors frequently used to calculate credit scores.
FICO Scores are calculated using many different pieces of credit data in your credit report. This data is grouped into five categories: payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit (10%) and credit mix (10%).
Remember, the Experian Credit Score Simulator is a helpful tool for educational purposes. Still, it's important to note that the actual impact on your credit score may vary based on real-life circ*mstances.
The primary credit scoring models are FICO® and VantageScore®, and both are equally accurate. Although both are accurate, most lenders are looking at your FICO score when you apply for a loan.
As with all credit risk scores, FICO® Scores predict the likelihood that someone will fall 90 days behind on a bill within the next 24 months. FICO® does this using complex algorithms based on information in your credit report from each of the national credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.
- Payment history: 35%
- Amounts owed: 30%
- Length of credit history: 15%
- Credit mix: 10%
- New credit: 10%
Payment History Is the Most Important Factor of Your Credit Score. Payment history accounts for 35% of your FICO® Score. Four other factors that go into your credit score calculation make up the remaining 65%.
While older models of credit scores used to go as high as 900, you can no longer achieve a 900 credit score. The highest score you can receive today is 850. Anything above 800 is considered an excellent credit score.
You can't arrive at precisely the same score as the credit-scoring companies or lenders because they use proprietary formulas to determine your score. However, you can calculate some of the factors that contribute to your score, such as your credit utilization ratio and the length of time you've had credit.
What is a good FICO score?
FICO Credit Score Ranges | |
---|---|
Excellent/Exceptional | 800-850 |
Very good | 740-799 |
Good | 670-739 |
Fair | 580-669 |
It's possible that you could see your credit scores drop after fulfilling your payment obligations on a loan or credit card debt. Paying off debt might lower your credit scores if removing the debt affects certain factors like your credit mix, the length of your credit history or your credit utilization ratio.
Your Experian score may be higher than what another credit bureau shows because Experian calculates credit scores using its own unique scoring model.
If your Experian score is higher than TransUnion and Equifax it doesn't necessarily mean it is better. A good score with Experian is between 881-960. With TransUnion it is between 604-627 and with Equifax it is 531-670. This is due to the different scoring systems they use.
Experian vs. Credit Karma: Which is more accurate for your credit score? You may be surprised to know that the simple answer is that both are accurate. Read on to find out what's different between the two companies, how they get your credit score, and why you have more than one credit score to begin with.
What is the average credit score? The average FICO credit score in the US is 718, according to the latest FICO data from April 2023. The average VantageScore is 701 as of January 2024. Credit scores, which are like a grade for your borrowing history, fall in the range of 300 to 850.
Is Experian legitimate? Yes. Along with TransUnion and Equifax, Experian is recognized by financial institutions around the world as a safe, authoritative and trustworthy credit reporting agency.
Like FICO scores, VantageScores range from 300 to 850 while assigning different weights to payment history, credit usage, and other activity.
The credit score required and other eligibility factors for buying a car vary by lender and loan terms. Still, you typically need a good credit score of 661 or higher to qualify for an auto loan. About 69% of retail vehicle financing is for borrowers with credit scores of 661 or higher, according to Experian.
Why are my FICO and Experian scores so different?
Lenders don't always report information to all three bureaus, however, which means there are often differences among your credit reports (and the scores based upon them). Because your credit reports can differ, your scores are unlikely to be the same.
Average FICO 8 Score by Generation | ||
---|---|---|
Generation | 2022 | 2023 |
Generation Z (ages 18-26) | 679 - Good | 680 - Good |
Millennials (27-42) | 687 - Good | 690 - Good |
Generation X (43-58) | 707 - Good | 709 - Good |
Five major things can raise or lower credit scores: your payment history, the amounts you owe, credit mix, new credit, and length of credit history. Not paying your bills on time or using most of your available credit are things that can lower your credit score.
For the majority of lending decisions most lenders use your FICO score. Calculated by the data analytics company Fair Isaac Corporation, it's based on data from credit reports about your payment history, credit mix, length of credit history and other criteria.
- Payment history (35%)
- Amounts owed (30%)
- Length of credit history (15%)
- New credit (10%)
- Credit mix (10%)
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