Estimate How Actions May Change Your Credit Score
What this credit score impact estimator does
This calculator helps you compare scenarios and estimate how common actions may affect a credit score. Because scoring systems vary by country and lender, results are best used as a directional guide rather than a guaranteed prediction.
Key inputs and why they matter
Credit utilization
Utilization is the percent of revolving credit you use. A simple way to view the change is: \[ \Delta U = U_{after} - U_{before} \] Lower utilization is often associated with lower risk, so moving from a high band to a lower band can improve the estimate.
Late payments and derogatory events
Late payments can be severe, especially when recent. The calculator reduces the impact as the event gets older, using a decay-style adjustment to reflect “time since event.”
Hard inquiries and new accounts
Inquiries and newly opened accounts can add short-term risk. Multiple events can compound, but the marginal impact typically diminishes as counts rise.
Credit age and mix
Longer average account age and a stable oldest account can support score strength. Having multiple account types may help slightly depending on the model.
How the estimate is calculated
The calculator assigns a points impact \(I_i\) to each factor (utilization, inquiries, new accounts, late events, age, and mix), then sums them: \[ \Delta S = \sum_{i=1}^{n} I_i \] The new score is computed and then clamped into your chosen score range: \[ S_{new} = \min\left(\max\left(S_{start} + \Delta S,\; S_{min}\right),\; S_{max}\right) \] A mild sensitivity adjustment is applied so that very high starting scores may show slightly larger downside from negative events, reflecting that there is less “room” above the top bands.
How to use the scenario history table
Each time you click Calculate, a new row is added so you can compare outcomes. Use it to test questions like:
What if I pay down my balance?
Lower the “after” utilization and compare the estimated change.
What if I open a new account?
Increase “new accounts opened” and observe how the main driver changes.
How much does time reduce a past event?
Set a late event and increase “months since event” in Advanced mode.
Practical tips for interpreting results
Focus on direction, not exact points
Treat the estimate as “likely improve” or “likely worsen,” not a guaranteed score delta.
Test one change at a time
Adjust one input per run to isolate cause and effect.
Use the correct score range
If your local score scale differs, select Custom and set your minimum and maximum.