Free tool

FICO Score Simulator

Pick the actions you're considering. We'll project the score range based on FICO 8 weighting and typical outcomes for each action type. Every calculation runs in your browser — your data never leaves the page.

Don't know your score? Most major credit cards show it free in their app.

Projected score
Low
680
+0
Mid (typical)
680
+0 pts
High
680
+0

Projected ranges are based on FICO 8 weighting and typical outcomes. Federal law (CROA) prohibits any credit-repair service from guaranteeing specific score outcomes. Use this as an order-of-magnitude estimate, not a forecast.

How FICO calculates your score

FICO 8 (the model used by most lenders) weights five factors:

  • Payment history (35%) — on-time vs late payments. Single biggest factor.
  • Credit utilization (30%) — balances ÷ limits. Fastest-moving lever.
  • Length of credit history (15%) — average account age.
  • New credit / inquiries (10%) — recent applications.
  • Credit mix (10%) — variety of account types.

The simulator above projects score changes for typical scenarios. Your actual outcome depends on the rest of your file — a charge-off removal that lifts one consumer 80 points might lift another only 30, depending on what else is dragging their score.

Common questions

How accurate is this simulator?

Calibrated to FICO 8 weighting and typical outcomes. The mid-range projection is a realistic estimate, not a guarantee. Your actual score change depends on the full state of your credit file at the time the action takes effect.

What's the fastest way to raise my credit score?

Pay down utilization. It moves at the next reporting cycle (~30 days), and it's 30% of your FICO. Pay before the statement-close date so the lower balance is what gets reported.

Will removing a charge-off really add 60+ points?

It can, especially if the charge-off is recent and your file is otherwise clean. Older charge-offs (5-7 years) add fewer points because their impact has already faded. Multiple charge-offs in a file mean each individual removal lifts less.

Why do new credit cards lower my score?

Hard inquiries cost 3-10 points each (recoverable in ~12 months) and new accounts lower your average account age. Net effect is mildly negative short-term, mildly positive long-term once the account ages.

Run the actions, not just the simulation.

CreditCougar generates the FCRA-compliant dispute letters that produce these score gains. AI-tuned per tradeline, $29.95/mo.

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