Your credit score feels like a mystery until you understand the five things that make it move. Once you learn them, raising your score becomes simple math.

The 5 Factors:
1. Payment History (35%)
• Pay on time = score rises
• One late payment = big drop
• Tools to help: Chime, Self, automatic payments

2. Credit Utilization (30%)
• How much of your total credit limit you use
• Keep it below 30% — below 10% is best
• Trick: ask for a credit limit increase

3. Length of Credit History (15%)
• The longer your accounts stay open, the better
• Don’t close old cards unless absolutely necessary

4. Credit Mix (10%)
• Credit cards
• Installment loans
• Credit builder loans
Using a mix shows lenders you’re trustworthy.

5. New Credit & Hard Inquiries (10%)
• Limit new credit applications
• Soft pull apps: Kikoff, Chime, Experian Boost

Conclusion:
You don’t need to be perfect — just consistent. When you focus on these 5 areas, your score will always trend upward.