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What Kinds of Things can Make my Credit Score Go Down?

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Your FICO credit score, a number between 300 and 850, is used by lenders as an indication of whether or not you’ll be likely to repay your debts. Since your credit score affects everything from your ability to get a credit card to your ability to secure a mortgage, knowing what can make your credit score go down is crucial. Late payments, having only new accounts, many credit inquiries, and bankruptcy can all make it drop.

One of the most common reasons people see their credit score go down is a late payment. Lenders who look at your credit report can see if you are 30, 60, 90, or more days delinquent on an account. If you’re significantly late with a payment, expect to see your credit score fall. For this reason, consumers with a past history of tardiness sometimes decide to take advantage of the automatic bill paying services offered by many banks.

Late credit card payments may lower a person's credit score.
Late credit card payments may lower a person's credit score.

Since 15% of your credit score is based on the length of your credit history, having only new accounts in your name lead to a low number. For this reason, younger consumers tend to have slightly lower credit scores than their older counterparts — even if all other factors are equal. To boost your score, avoid continually closing old accounts. Even if you have a credit card you seldom use, leave the account open so lenders see it as a longstanding part of your credit history.

Paying bills on time is critical to improving credit scores.
Paying bills on time is critical to improving credit scores.

The amount of credit inquiries made on your report can also make your credit score go down. This is because lenders believe you may be planning to go on spending spree if you’re trying to open several new accounts in a short period of time. To keep your score up, don’t apply for credit cards or loans unless they are absolutely necessary. Personal inquiries won’t affect your credit score, however, so it’s fine to request a copy of your credit report on a regular basis in order to check for discrepancies or signs of identity theft.

Adverse reports on your credit report will likely cause your credit score to go down.
Adverse reports on your credit report will likely cause your credit score to go down.

While bankruptcy can provide a fresh start for those in serious financial trouble, filing for bankruptcy will make your credit score go down significantly. In addition, it will stay on your credit report for 10 years. Typically, filing for bankruptcy will make your credit score drop by 160 to 220 points.

If you’ve recently been denied credit because your score is too low, don’t be discouraged. Since the FICO scoring system is designed to allow recent good behavior to help offset past mistakes, making a conscious effort to use credit cards responsibly and pay your bills on time will gradually improve your score. It’s not an easy process, but the results are well worth the extra effort.

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the WiseGEEK team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

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Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the WiseGEEK team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon180935

I was recently told that my credit score can go down if I make a large payment or pay off a debt. Is this true?

mutsy

Sautee Pan- I just want to add that bankruptcies and foreclosures really hurt your credit score.

It can actually take up to seven years to repair the damage that a bankruptcy or a foreclosure can cause on your credit rating.

A preferred credit score should be in the range of 700 and above.

SauteePan

Jknox- I want to answer you question because it I a good one. I believe that the situation in which a borrower has the higher credit limit is preferred to the situation of the borrower with the lower credit limit that has a maxed out credit card.

The reason is that a huge factor in your credit rating involves your debt to income ratio.

The person with the higher overall debt that also has a significantly higher credit limit tells me that this person probably has very good credit. The high credit limit is a big clue.

The other person with the lower credit limit that is maxed out on his credit card is viewed more negatively because of the debt to income ratio.

The fact that the credit card is maxed out or close to it, tells me that this person’s spending habits exceed their current income. This actually hurts your credit score. I hope that helps.

jknox

Which has a more negative impact on your credit score? A) A high credit limit (ex. $20K with $8K balance) or B) Lower limit but almost maxed out ($10K limit, $8K balance)????? Thanks!

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    • Late credit card payments may lower a person's credit score.
      By: Karramba Production
      Late credit card payments may lower a person's credit score.
    • Paying bills on time is critical to improving credit scores.
      By: NAN
      Paying bills on time is critical to improving credit scores.
    • Adverse reports on your credit report will likely cause your credit score to go down.
      By: alexskopje
      Adverse reports on your credit report will likely cause your credit score to go down.
    • Multiple credit cards with high balances can make your credit score go down.
      By: fotopak
      Multiple credit cards with high balances can make your credit score go down.