Why would my credit score go down if I never missed a payment?

Asked by: Hailee Pacocha  |  Last update: January 6, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (43 votes)

Using more of your credit card balance than usual — even if you pay on time — can reduce your score until a new, lower balance is reported the following month. Closed accounts and lower credit limits can also result in lower scores even if your payment behavior has not changed.

Why did my credit score go down if I haven't missed a payment?

If a credit card issuer lowered your limit to $6,000, but your balance remained the same, your utilization ratio would jump up to 50%. Even though you didn't charge up a higher balance, your overall credit utilization ratio increased. That, in turn, could cause your credit score to drop.

Why is my credit score low when I have never missed a payment?

  • 1. Your credit utilization rate could have increased.
  • 2. You could have missed a payment on one of your credit accounts.
  • 3. A disparaging remark could have been added to your credit report.
  • 4. You may have closed an old credit account.
  • 5. You may have paid off your loan.
  • 6. You may have recently a Continue Reading

Why has my credit score suddenly dropped for no reason?

Credit scores can drop due to a variety of reasons, including late or missed payments, changes to your credit utilization rate, a change in your credit mix, closing older accounts (which may shorten your length of credit history overall), or applying for new credit accounts.

Why is my credit score low if I always pay on time?

If you've been having higher utilization of your cards, it could drop your credit score, even if you pay the card in full. Keeping a balance of under 70% or even 50% at all times is ideal. If you've had inquiries, it can also negatively impact your credit since you're looking for ``more loans/debt ''.

Will Your Credit Score to Go Up After Paying Off Debt?

43 related questions found

Why is my credit score low when I owe nothing?

Various weighted factors mean that even with no credit, your credit score could still be low because the length of your credit history or credit mix, for example, could also be low.

Is 650 a good credit score?

A FICO® Score of 650 places you within a population of consumers whose credit may be seen as Fair. Your 650 FICO® Score is lower than the average U.S. credit score. Statistically speaking, 28% of consumers with credit scores in the Fair range are likely to become seriously delinquent in the future.

Why has my credit score gone down when nothing has changed?

A late payment was reported

If you've recently missed a payment, it could cause a drop in your credit score. Your payment history is another important credit score factor. If you look at your credit reports, you should see your history of payments for each account listed.

Is 700 a good credit score?

A 700 credit score is considered a good score on the most common credit score range, which runs from 300 to 850. How does your score compare with others? You're within the good credit score range, which runs from 690 to 719.

What habit lowers your credit score?

Late or missed payments can cause your credit score to decline. The impact can vary depending on your credit score — the higher your score, the more likely you are to see a steep drop.

Why is my credit score low when I pay all my bills?

It's possible that you could see your credit scores drop after fulfilling your payment obligations on a loan or credit card debt. Paying off debt might lower your credit scores if removing the debt affects certain factors like your credit mix, the length of your credit history or your credit utilization ratio.

Is it true that after 7 years your credit is clear?

Most negative items should automatically fall off your credit reports seven years from the date of your first missed payment, at which point your credit score may start rising. But if you are otherwise using credit responsibly, your score may rebound to its starting point within three months to six years.

Who do I contact if my credit score dropped for no reason?

The credit bureaus also accept disputes online or by phone: Experian (888) 397-3742. Transunion (800) 916-8800. Equifax (866) 349-5191.

Why did my Discover credit line decrease?

Card issuers periodically review your credit score. If you're consistently using a large percentage of your credit limit, your score may be affected, which FICO2 explains, may lead to a lower credit limit.

How is a FICO score different from a credit score?

Your FICO® scores are just one type of credit score that lenders or creditors may use when determining whether they'll provide you a loan or credit card. While FICO® scores are commonly used by lenders to assess your credit risk, other credit scores can also give you a good idea of where you stand.

Is a 900 credit score possible?

What is the highest credit score possible? To start off: No, it's not possible to have a 900 credit score in the United States. In some countries that use other models, like Canada, people could have a score of 900. The current scoring models in the U.S. have a maximum of 850.

Can I buy a house with a 704 credit score?

The minimum credit score needed to buy a house can range from 500 to 700, but will ultimately depend on the type of mortgage loan you're applying for and your lender. While it's possible to get a mortgage with bad credit, you typically need good or exceptional credit to qualify for the best terms.

Can I get 50000 with 700 credit score?

A 700 credit score can help you in securing a Rs 50,000 Personal Loan with many benefits, such as: Lower interest rates. Higher loan amounts. Faster approval process.

Why is my credit score dropping with no late payments?

Using more of your credit card balance than usual — even if you pay on time — can reduce your score until a new, lower balance is reported the following month. Closed accounts and lower credit limits can also result in lower scores even if your payment behavior has not changed.

Why is my credit score low when I have no debt?

If you have no record of handling credit previously, lenders have no evidence that you can borrow responsibly. This is referred to as having “thin credit” and can give you a lower score than you'd like. Thin credit can mean you have a low credit score, despite having no debt.

What affects your credit score the most?

Your payment history is one of the most important credit scoring factors and can have the biggest impact on your scores. Having a long history of on-time payments is best for your credit scores, while missing a payment could hurt them. The effects of missing payments can also increase the longer a bill goes unpaid.

How rare is an 800 credit score?

Even better, just over 1 in 5 people (21.2%) have an exceptional FICO credit score of 800 or above, all but guaranteeing access to the best products and interest rates.

What is the easiest credit card to get instant approval?

Best Instant Approval Credit Cards:
  • Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for welcome offer with no annual fee.
  • OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card: No credit check needed.
  • Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best for building credit with no annual fee.

What is the average US credit score?

The average FICO credit score in the US is 717, according to the latest FICO data. The average VantageScore is 701 as of January 2024.