For the first time ever, FICO has revealed how much certain derogatory remarks can negatively effect your credit score. Conversely, we now have a more accurate idea of how much removing these items can positively effect your score.
As you can see from the chart, a maxed out credit card can effect your score as little as 10 points, while a recent bankruptcy can decrease your score by as much as 240 points. Its also interesting to note that the better your FICO score is when the negative remark is added, the more of an effect that remark will have on your score.
FICO determined how your score would be effected by using complex mathematical algorithms compiled by tracking hundreds of thousands of consumers over a period of years. Over time they were able to determine key indicators that revealed the increasing probability that a consumer would default 90 days or more on a loan or credit.
This chart helps to illustrate how a consumer who had an otherwise flawless credit history can suddenly become a high risk borrower after a recent negative event in their credit history, while those with lower scores are more likely to be habitually poor at budgeting or making timely payments. The sudden change in behavior is a warning sign and therefore caries a higher penalty.

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