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Understanding what moves your credit score

The five factors that influence a credit score, and which ones you can actually control.

Medium risk

The five main factors

Scoring models differ, but the underlying categories are broadly consistent.

Placeholder comparison of the main scoring factors. Illustrative only.
FactorTypical weightCan you change it quickly
Payment historyHighestSlowly
UtilisationHighYes
Length of historyMediumNo
New applicationsMediumPartly
Mix of credit typesLowerSlowly

Frequently asked questions

How long does a change take to show?

Reporting delays are common, so a change made today may not be visible to lenders for weeks.

Sources

  1. Placeholder credit reporting explainer Example Authority, 2025