How Credit Scores Actually Work
Your credit score is a report card for borrowed money. See the exact FICO formula, simulate your score, and explore what-if scenarios.
Estimated FICO Score
809/ 850
ExceptionalYour credit score is basically a report card for how you handle borrowed money. The higher the score, the more lenders trust you — and the better rates you'll qualify for.
FICO Factor Breakdown
Adjust Your Inputs
What-If Scenarios
See how specific events would affect your estimated score right now.
Miss one payment
-148 pts
Resets your on-time payment streak to zero — the single most damaging thing you can do to a credit score.
Max out your card
-200 pts
Spikes your utilization to 100%. Lenders see this as a sign of financial stress even if you pay it off monthly.
Open a new card
-15 pts
Adds one hard inquiry. The short-term dip is usually small — and new accounts can help utilization long-term.
Score Tiers at a Glance
Poor
< 580
Fair
580–669
Good
670–739
Very Good
740–799
Exceptional
800+
You are here
Tiers are based on FICO score ranges used by most major lenders. "Exceptional" borrowers typically qualify for the best rates on mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards.
Related Tools
What Does Your Hourly Wage Actually Buy?
Translate your hourly rate into real take-home pay after taxes. See what your paycheck actually covers — and what things really cost in hours of work.
Open
Contractor Credit Score Impact
See how your credit score affects loan rates, APR, and total interest — with contractor-specific advice.
Open
50/30/20 Budget Builder
Build your budget with the 50/30/20 rule. Enter your income and expenses — get real-time feedback on each spending bucket with colored progress bars and gap analysis.
Open
Savings Rate Calculator
Calculate your savings rate and see how it affects your path to financial independence. FI number, years to FI, projected retirement balance, and a sensitivity table across 5–70% savings rates.
Open
You might also like
What Does Your Hourly Wage Actually Buy?
Translate your hourly rate into real take-home pay after taxes. See what your paycheck actually covers — and what things really cost in hours of work.
Try it
Contractor Credit Score Impact
See how your credit score affects loan rates, APR, and total interest — with contractor-specific advice.
Try it
50/30/20 Budget Builder
Build your budget with the 50/30/20 rule. Enter your income and expenses — get real-time feedback on each spending bucket with colored progress bars and gap analysis.
Try it