Loans & Credit

What Is a FICO Score?

A FICO Score is a widely used credit score created by the company FICO. Base FICO Scores range from 300 to 850 and are calculated from the information in a person’s credit report. Many US lenders use FICO Scores to help decide whether to approve credit and at what interest rate.

What It Is Based On

FICO publishes the general weighting: payment history (about 35%), amounts owed (about 30%), length of credit history (about 15%), new credit (about 10%), and credit mix (about 10%).

Many Versions

There are several FICO Score versions, including industry-specific ones for auto and credit card lending, so the number can differ depending on which version a lender uses.

🧮 Calculate It Yourself

Put FICO Score into practice with these free calculators — no sign-up, nothing stored.

📊 Credit Utilization Calculator A key factor in your credit score, right after payment history. Calculate → 💳 Credit Card Payoff Calculator See how long minimum payments really take — and what a fixed payment saves. Calculate →

🔗 Related Terms

Credit Score VantageScore Credit Utilization Ratio Credit Mix Credit Report

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Last updated: September 29, 2026. This definition is for general educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or medical advice, and it does not recommend any product or course of action. For decisions about your own situation, consult a qualified professional.