Credit Score
A credit score is a three-digit number (usually 300–850) that predicts how likely you are to repay borrowed money. Lenders use it to decide whether to approve you and what rate to charge — a higher score can save tens of thousands in interest over a mortgage or auto loan.
Payment history is roughly 35% of the score and utilization about 30%, followed by account age, credit mix and new inquiries. Utilization is the fast lever, because it is recalculated every billing cycle and carries no memory of last year's balance — though issuers usually report the statement balance, so paying in full after the statement closes can still show high utilization. What the difference is worth in money: on a $350,000 thirty-year mortgage, the gap between 6.5% and 7.0% is about $116 a month and roughly $41,900 over the loan. You also have three scores, one per bureau, and a 20-point spread between them is unremarkable.
Put it to work
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate the debt-to-income (DTI) ratio mortgage lenders use to size your approval — front-end and back-end — and see how much room you have before 36%.
Credit Card Payoff Calculator
How long to pay off your credit card at your current payment — and the exact monthly amount to be debt-free in 12, 24, or 36 months.
Auto Loan Calculator
Car payment with the real numbers: sales tax, fees, trade-in credit — even negative equity. See the monthly payment and the true total cost.