Money tools
Credit Score Simulator
Estimate your FICO score range based on your credit profile. Adjust each factor to see how changes — like paying down a card or fixing a late payment — would affect your score.
How this simulator works
FICO scoring model
The FICO score uses five weighted categories: payment history (35%), credit utilization (30%), length of credit history (15%), credit mix (10%), and new credit inquiries (10%). Each category contributes a sub-score, and the final score falls between 300 and 850.
What this tool estimates
We apply the publicly known FICO weight ranges to your inputs to produce an estimated score range. The real FICO algorithm considers hundreds of additional data points from your full credit report, so your actual score may differ by 30-50 points. This tool helps you understand which factors are helping or hurting your score and what to prioritize when improving it.
Where to get your real score
Most credit cards (Chase, Capital One, Discover, Amex) show your real FICO score for free in their app. You can also check for free at Experian.com or get all three bureau scores at myFICO.com ($20-40/month). Credit Karma shows your VantageScore (a different model), which is useful for tracking trends but may differ from FICO by 20-40 points.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this simulator?
This simulator uses the publicly known FICO scoring weight ranges (payment history 35%, credit utilization 30%, credit age 15%, credit mix 10%, new inquiries 10%) to estimate a score range. Your actual FICO score depends on additional proprietary factors, so treat this as a directional estimate — typically within 30-50 points of your real score. For your official score, check your credit card app or myFICO.com.
What is a good credit score?
FICO scores range from 300 to 850. A score of 670+ is considered "Good," 740+ is "Very Good," and 800+ is "Exceptional." For the best mortgage rates, aim for 740 or above. Most credit cards with good rewards require 670+.
How is the FICO score calculated?
FICO uses five factors: Payment History (35%) — whether you pay on time; Credit Utilization (30%) — how much of your available credit you use; Length of Credit History (15%) — average age of your accounts; Credit Mix (10%) — types of credit you have; New Credit Inquiries (10%) — recent applications for credit.
Does checking my credit score lower it?
No. Checking your own score (a "soft inquiry") has zero impact. Only "hard inquiries" from lenders — when you apply for a loan or credit card — temporarily lower your score by about 5-10 points.
How can I improve my credit score fast?
The fastest improvements come from: (1) Paying down credit card balances below 30% of your limit (can add 20-50 points in one billing cycle), (2) Setting up autopay so you never miss a payment, (3) Disputing errors on your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com, and (4) Becoming an authorized user on a family member's old, clean credit card.