: The amount of revolving credit you're currently using compared to your total limits.

: Your experience managing different types of accounts, such as credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages.

Most lenders use the FICO model, which breaks down your score into five weighted categories. Understanding these helps you prioritize your efforts:

: The single most influential factor. Lenders want to see that you consistently pay on time.

Improving your credit is a marathon, not a sprint, but you can see movement in as little as 30 to 45 days by targeting the high-impact factors of your score.