Why did my credit score drop?

There can be several reasons why your credit score dropped. Here are some common factors that can affect your credit score:

1. Payment history: Late or missed payments on loans, credit cards, or other bills can have a negative impact on your credit score.
2. Credit utilization: High credit card balances in relation to your credit limit can lower your credit score. It’s generally recommended to keep your credit utilization below 30% of your available credit.
3. Credit mix: Having a diverse mix of credit accounts, such as credit cards, loans, and a mortgage, can have a positive impact on your credit score. If you close an account or no longer have a certain type of credit, it may affect your credit mix.
4. New credit applications: Applying for new credit, such as credit cards or loans, can result in a temporary drop in your credit score. Each application typically triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can have a small negative impact.
5. Negative information: If you have recently experienced a financial setback, such as a foreclosure, bankruptcy, or collection account, it can significantly lower your credit score.
6. Errors on your credit report: Mistakes or errors on your credit report can negatively impact your credit score. It’s important to regularly review your credit report for accuracy and dispute any incorrect information.
7. Age of credit history: The length of your credit history matters. If you recently opened a new credit account, it may shorten the average age of your credit history and potentially lower your credit score.

It’s important to monitor your credit regularly and review your credit reports from the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Understanding the factors that affect your credit score can help you identify any potential reasons for a drop and take appropriate actions to improve your credit standing.

The history of the credit score

The history of the credit score dates back to the mid-20th century when lenders and financial institutions began exploring ways to assess the creditworthiness of individuals more objectively. Here’s a brief overview of the history of credit scoring:

1. Early Credit Assessment: Before the concept of credit scores, lenders would often rely on personal relationships, reputation, and subjective evaluations when considering whether to grant credit to an individual. This method lacked standardization and consistency.
2. Introduction of Credit Reports: In the 1960s, credit reporting agencies like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion started collecting credit-related information about individuals, including their borrowing and repayment history. Lenders could access these reports to evaluate an applicant’s creditworthiness.
3. FICO Score: In the late 1950s, a company called Fair Isaac Corporation (now known as FICO) introduced the first credit scoring system. The FICO score uses a mathematical algorithm to analyze credit data and produce a numerical score that represents an individual’s credit risk. The FICO score gained widespread adoption in the 1980s and remains one of the most commonly used credit scoring models in the United States.
4. Development of Alternative Credit Scoring Models: Over time, other credit scoring models have been developed to complement or compete with the FICO score. Examples include VantageScore, which was jointly created by the three major credit reporting agencies. These alternative models use their own algorithms and criteria to assess creditworthiness.
5. Advancements in Credit Scoring Technology: With the advent of advanced computing technology and access to vast amounts of data, credit scoring models have become more sophisticated. Machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques are increasingly used to analyze credit data and improve the accuracy of credit scoring.

It’s important to note that credit scoring models and practices can vary between countries, and different factors may be considered more significant in different regions. Additionally, changes in legislation, consumer protection, and financial industry regulations have influenced how credit scores are used and reported over time.