Past Payment Performance. The fewer late payments, the better the score. The longer someone has had credit established, the better. Having a relatively brief credit history does not automatically mean higher risk. What carries the most weight is how people pay their bills and how extended they are on their available credit.
Scores reflect credit payment patterns over time with more emphasis on recent information.
Delinquent payments and collections can have a major negative impact on a score. Keep balances low on unsecured revolving debt like credit cards. High outstanding revolving debt can affect a score. Apply for and open new credit accounts only as needed. The amount of your unused credit is an important factor in calculating your score.