Your score isn't one number — it's a family of 40+ numbers
15 guides covering every scoring model US lenders actually use, the three bureaus, and the issuer rules that break the normal playbook.
Start here. A map of every score type, who uses each, and how to navigate the 15-article deep dive.
Read the overview →Start here
Scoring models
The headline comparison. Two score families, same 300–850 range today, very different weightings and adoption.
FICO 8, 9, 10, 10T, plus industry-specific Bankcard, Auto, and Mortgage flavors. Which version lenders actually pull.
VantageScore 3.0, 4.0, and 4plus. Where each shows up and why Credit Karma's number doesn't match your FICO.
The matrix. Lender by lender, product by product, which bureau and which scoring model actually underwrites the decision.
The three bureaus
TransUnion, Equifax, Experian. What each holds, which issuer pulls which, and how to get your free weekly report.
When to freeze vs set a fraud alert, how to thaw for a specific application, and which bureau to prioritize freezing first.
Credit factors
Payment history 35%, utilization 30%, length 15%, new credit 10%, mix 10%. What each means, how to move it, and which CardLeverage module controls it.
Overall vs per-card, statement-close timing, the AZEO strategy, and what actually moves the score.
What triggers each type, how long hard inquiries show, rate-shopping windows, and how aggressive dampening differs between FICO and VantageScore.
Strategy
When an AU tradeline helps your score, when it hurts, and how issuers like Chase treat AU accounts for 5/24.
Rough point impacts for the most common credit actions. Paying down a maxed card, closing your oldest card, opening a new account.
Why Chase and Amex business cards don't usually report to your personal bureau, why Capital One's do, and why this matters for 5/24 strategy.
Issuer rules
The single most important Chase underwriting rule. How Chase counts it, which cards are exempt, and how to engineer around it.
American Express velocity limits, once-per-lifetime bonus language, pop-up jail, and how to navigate Amex's unique playbook.