Your credit score can feel like a black box — a number that changes for reasons no one explains. But behind the scenes, it comes down to five weighted factors. Once you know the weights, you know where to spend your energy.
1. Payment history (35%)
This is the single biggest factor. One missed payment can cost dozens of points and linger for years. The fix is simple to say and hard to forget: pay on time, every time. Autopay for at least the minimum is the highest-leverage habit you can build.
2. Credit utilization (30%)
Utilization is how much of your available credit you're using. Under 30% is good; under 10% is excellent. Paying a card down before the statement closes — not just before the due date — is one of the fastest ways to see points move.
Clear View shows your scores and utilization across all three bureaus.
Start for $13. Credit age, mix & inquiries (35%)
The remaining third is split between how long you've had credit, the variety of accounts you hold, and how often you've applied recently. These move slowly — the best strategy is patience: keep old accounts open and space out new applications.
Focus your effort where the weight is. Nail payments and utilization, and the rest largely takes care of itself over time.