Learn more about credit scores
Explore more resources about building a solid credit history.
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Página principalUnderstanding what affects your credit score can help you take control of your credit.
We can help you closely track your FICO® Score and work to improve it over time. To begin, visit Credit Close-Up to get complimentary access to monthly credit updates
The most important thing is that you pay all your bills on time, every time. This has the biggest impact on your credit score, accounting for 35% of your overall FICO® Credit Score. Once a payment is reported at least 30 days past due, it is considered delinquent and can damage your credit score. Keep in mind that this may apply to many of your bills, not just loans and credit cards.
Using your entire credit limit may have a negative impact on your credit score. How much you owe makes up 30% of your score. It’s better to keep balances low. If you plan to carry a balance on your credit card, try to stay below a 30% utilization rate (credit limit). To calculate this, divide your total balance by your total credit limit, multiply by 100 to see your credit utilization rate as a percentage. When it comes to a utilization rate, the lower the better while still maintaining activity on your account.
How long you’ve been using credit also matters and accounts for 15% of your FICO® Credit Score. The longer, the better. So if you are new to credit or rebuilding credit, start building a good credit history now. You may also want to think twice before closing any credit accounts, as keeping accounts open and active can help you build your credit history.
Credit mix determines 10% of your FICO® Credit Score. Your credit score may improve if you have different types of credit, such as auto loans, credit cards, student loans, and so on, provided they stay current and in good standing.
While this isn’t directly part of how your credit score is calculated, your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) helps determine if you may be able to comfortably afford to make your payments. DTI is the percentage of how much you make each month that you have to pay on recurring payments, like a credit card. When you apply for credit, lenders evaluate your DTI to help determine whether you can afford to take on another payment. If your DTI gets too high, it can negatively affect your ability to pay your bills on time, which impacts your credit score. Standards and guidelines vary, most lenders like to see a DTI below 35%, but some mortgage lenders allow up to 43─45% DTI, with some FHA-insured loans allowing a 50% DTI. For more on Wells Fargo’s debt-to-income standards, and to learn what your debt ratio means, use our online Debt-to-income calculator.
Building good credit depends on your ability to pay back what you borrow. Start small with what you can comfortably pay each month along with your other obligations.
Explore more resources about building a solid credit history.
You must be the primary account holder of an eligible Wells Fargo consumer account with a FICO® Score available, and enrolled in Wells Fargo Online®. Eligible Wells Fargo consumer accounts include deposit, loan, and credit accounts, but other consumer accounts may also be eligible. Contact Wells Fargo for details. Availability may be affected by your mobile carrier's coverage area. Your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply.
Please note that the score provided under this service is for educational purposes and may not be the score used by Wells Fargo to make credit decisions. Wells Fargo looks at many factors to determine your credit options; therefore, a specific FICO® Score or Wells Fargo credit rating does not guarantee a specific loan rate, approval of a loan, or an upgrade on a credit card.
This calculator is for educational purposes only and is not a denial or approval of credit.
FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and other countries.
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