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Credit score myths

Eight things people believe about credit scores. Get them right and you could save thousands on a mortgage.

8 questions · about 2 minutes · no signup needed

Question 1 of 8Checking your own credit score lowers it.

TrueFalse

Checking your own score is a soft inquiry and doesn’t affect it. Raise your score →

Question 2 of 8Carrying a balance on your credit card helps your score.

TrueFalse

Paying in full builds history without interest; lower reported balances generally help. Raise your score →

Question 3 of 8Closing an old credit card can lower your score.

TrueFalse

It can raise your balance-to-limit ratio and eventually shorten your credit history. Credit readiness quiz →

Question 4 of 8Your income is part of your credit score.

TrueFalse

Scores are based on credit history, not income; lenders check income separately. Debt-to-income →

Question 5 of 8Mortgage lenders often use the middle of your three credit scores.

TrueFalse

Many lenders pull scores from all three bureaus and use the middle one (for joint loans, often the lower borrower’s middle score). Credit score needed →

Question 6 of 8Getting married combines your credit reports.

TrueFalse

Each person keeps their own report, though joint accounts appear on both. Buying together quiz →

Question 7 of 8Paying down card balances can raise your score quickly.

TrueFalse

Lower balances are reported monthly, so improvements can show within a cycle or two. Raise your score →

Question 8 of 8A late payment is usually reported once it’s 30 days or more past due.

TrueFalse

A payment a few days late usually brings a fee, not a credit report mark; 30 days late is typically reported. Raise your score →

Your answers aren’t saved or sent anywhere except to calculate your score. For education only; it isn’t a credit check or a loan approval.

How it works

Pick an answer and you’ll see right away whether you got it, with a short explanation and a link to learn more. At the end you’ll get your score and can share it.

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