Credit Trends

Trends by Age

Based on our data, there is clearly a relationship between age and average credit scores. Generally speaking, younger individuals will have lower credits scores on average.

There is a very good technical reason for this phenomenon. The length of your credit history is a factor that goes into the credit score calculation. Since younger individuals will have shorter credit history, they will tend to have a lower credit score all else equal.

The depth of your credit is probably lower with younger individuals as well. The combination of the two effects lead to the lower averages for younger people.

Keep in mind the chart does not mean you can't have high credit if you are young. It just points out the correlations and averages. There are dozens of factors that affect credit scores. Being aware of all the factors is important to being a well informed consumer.

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Great help- thanks so much for all the information!

Nashoba 1 year ago

Does a person start out with a perfect credit score when they turn 18? Also is it possible on this site to see what specific things have recently affected my credit score?

hippolicious 1 year ago

When a person turns 18, it is actually very difficult to determine the credit score and it is far from perfect. Length of credit history and on-time payments are more than 50% of a credit score. At age 18, most people have neither. At that age, it is best to have a parent co-sign a card or perhaps apply for a student card which has lower credit requirements. To build good credit, one needs to be very diligent about paying on time. A default or late payment will affect one's score for years.

CK Moderator

I have a credit score of 750 according to your website...is my credit score accurate to all of the three credit bureaus?

Creditman85 1 year ago

The score you see on Credit Karma is from TransUnion.

CK Moderator

I'm confused...according to your simulator, there is *nothing* I can do to raise my credit score.

I'm 27 with a score of 773, and even paying off all my debts wouldn't change that? What CAN I do? I know it's a high score but I take pride in having good credit and would like to make it better.

faerievixen2 1 year ago

Will be answered in Q&A section

CK Moderator

My score is 772. I have 3 credit cards with approximately $25K limits. I have only activated and use 1 of the cards and it is currently at 0 balance. If I activate the other 2 credit cards and don't use them, will it improve my credit score?

SAVORY 1 year ago

Where is the "Q&A Section" that you mention above? I have the same problem as another member. If I pay off all my credit card debt, my score in the simulator doesn't change.

tdasche 1 year ago

Credit Answer Center

CK Moderator

Very good info on this site and the user comments are informative as well. Good to be able to get a score for free while the advertisers pay for the service in exchange for the opportunity to make offers to the users. Service and commerce. It's a good thing.

MrToops 1 year ago

I'm very happy to have found this website after Wamu was bought out by Chase and Chase stopped letting Wamu card holders see their FICO score. I don't think it is impossible for a young person to have a good score, as I'm only 22 and have, according to Karma, a score of 742. I have always payed my credit cards on time, never let the balance get too high, yet got my first card but three years ago. I can not stress enough the importance of always paying bills on time, and furthermore to get a card as soon as possible. Three years ago I was lucky to have an Aunt give me three thousand dollars for school tuition because I was turned down for a loan since I had no credit history. To all parents out there, do let your kids get a credit card starting around sixteen years old, but don't let them have the card. Only give it to them for purchases you have specifically approved of, then make certain they pay it off in a month or so. This will help their score in the long run, and with any luck allow them to get school loans in their own name, saving you from being a cosigner. And maybe instill good financial habits.

bluejaydf2 1 year ago

by checking my score with this site will my credit score be affected?

ruohaylo 1 year ago

Using Credit Karma will not lower your credit score. We use a soft inquiry which does not affect your credit score.

CK Moderator

If I had to file a credit card and an account as fraud, how would that affect my credit score? The lady said she restored my score but how can I be sure as to what happened?

mastek97 1 year ago