Which Factor has the Biggest Bite on Your Credit Score?

đŸŸ Which Factor Has the Biggest Bite on Your Credit Score?

Hey fur-iends! Becky here—your loyal Barketing Manager and credit-savvy Goldendoodle here at A Notch Above Group. đŸ¶

If you’re planning to fetch your dream home soon, there's one thing you can’t ignore:
 👉 Your credit score.

But what actually affects that three-digit number the most? Is it how much you owe? How long you’ve had credit? Whether you opened a new account last week?

Let’s dig in and find out which factor has the biggest bite when it comes to your credit score—and how to keep your number in tail-waggin’ shape!

🏆 And the Winner Is
 Payment History!

That’s right—payment history takes the biggest bite out of your credit score.

In fact, it accounts for 35% of your FICO¼ score, making it the single most important factor lenders sniff out when deciding if you’re a responsible borrower.

If you’ve been a good pup and paid your bills on time? You’re golden.
 Missed a few payments? That can cause your score to sit, stay
 and drop.

Becky’s Pro Tip:
 Set up autopay or reminders for every bill—credit cards, loans, utilities, even vet bills if they report to credit bureaus!

đŸŸ How Other Credit Factors Stack Up

Here’s the full breakdown of what makes up your credit score—and how much weight each factor carries:

1. Payment History – 35%

We just covered it. Pay on time = happy lenders = happy tail wags.

2. Amounts Owed – 30%

Also known as your credit utilization. If your credit cards are nearly maxed out, your score could suffer—even if you’re paying on time.

Keep it under 30% of your limit for best results. Under 10%? Even better!

3. Length of Credit History – 15%

Like a long walk on a trail, a longer credit history shows consistency and experience.
 Lenders love borrowers who’ve been in the game for a while.

Becky’s Tip: Don’t close your oldest accounts unless absolutely necessary.

4. New Credit – 10%

Opening several accounts in a short span can make you look risky. Lenders might wonder if you’re planning to chew off more than you can handle.

Avoid applying for new credit right before buying a home!

5. Types of Credit in Use – 10%

A healthy mix of credit types—like credit cards, car loans, or student loans—shows you can handle different kinds of borrowing responsibly.

📊 Why This Matters for Homebuyers

If you're planning to apply for a mortgage, your credit score helps determine:

  • Whether you qualify

  • Your loan options

  • The interest rate you’ll fetch

  • How much you’ll pay over the life of the loan

A few smart moves—like making on-time payments and lowering balances—can add up to big savings when it’s time to buy.

🏡 Final Bark: Want a Better Credit Score? Start with Your Payments.

So, which factor has the biggest bite when it comes to your credit score?
 Payment history. Every time.

It’s the first thing lenders check—and the one that can help (or hurt) you the most.
 So if you're dreaming of your own den, start by being a responsible borrower, pay those bills on time, and give your credit score the care it deserves.

đŸ“Č Need help getting mortgage-ready?
 Let’s talk! I’ll connect you with local lenders and help you fetch the best home-buying experience possible—no leash pulling, just real advice.

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 💬 Got questions about buying or selling? Slide into our DMs—I’ve got a whole team of humans ready to help you every step of the way (I supervise, of course). đŸ¶

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