What a credit score actually measures — and what it ignores

A credit score is a summary of how you have handled borrowing in the past. Scoring models differ by country and provider, but most weigh similar behaviour.

Factors commonly considered

• Whether payments were made on time.
• How much of your available credit you are using.
• The length of your credit history.
• Recent applications for new credit.

Things typically not included

Income, savings balances and your employer are generally not part of the score itself, although lenders may consider them separately.

Check the official guidance from the credit bureaus in your country for the exact model used.