The FICO score, introduced in 1989, has become a standard measure for assessing credit risk in the United States. This donut chart illustrates the composition of the FICO score, highlighting the weight of different factors. Payment History is the most significant component, accounting for 35% of the score. This emphasizes the importance of timely payments in maintaining a good credit score. Amounts Owed follows closely, contributing 30%, indicating that the total debt relative to available credit is a crucial factor. The Length of Credit History, at 15%, underscores the value of a long credit history, while Credit Mix and New Credit each account for 10%. These smaller percentages suggest that while having a variety of credit types and new credit inquiries are considered, they are less impactful than payment history and amounts owed. The chart provides a clear visual representation of how these factors combine to form the FICO score, offering insights into the priorities for maintaining or improving one's credit standing. This understanding is vital for consumers aiming to manage their credit effectively and for financial institutions assessing creditworthiness.
