Your credit score is an important number that affects many parts of your financial life. Whether you’re applying for a loan, getting a credit card, or renting an apartment, your credit score helps lenders decide if you are a responsible borrower. But how often does this number actually change? The answer depends on how often your credit information is reported.
In this guide, we’ll break down how credit scores work, how often they update, and what you can do to track and improve your score. We’ll keep it simple, so even if you’re just getting started with credit, you’ll understand how it all fits together.
What Is a Credit Score?
A credit score is a three-digit number that helps lenders decide how risky it might be to lend you money. It ranges from 300 to 850, with higher scores showing that you are more likely to pay back what you borrow on time. Your credit score is calculated using your credit report, which keeps track of your financial habits. This includes whether you pay your bills on time, how much debt you have, the types of credit you use, how long your accounts have been open, and any new credit applications you’ve made.
The two most common types of credit scores are made by FICO® and VantageScore®. Both companies use similar information from your credit reports, but they may weigh each factor a little differently. For example, FICO might focus more on your payment history, while VantageScore might put a bit more weight on your recent credit activity. Even though your score may be slightly different depending on which model is used, both scores give lenders a good idea of your financial responsibility.
How Is a Credit Score Calculated?
To understand how your score changes, it helps to know what affects it. Here are the main factors:
- Payment History (35%) – Do you pay your bills on time?
- Credit Utilization (30%) – How much of your available credit are you using?
- Length of Credit History (15%) – How long have you had credit accounts?
- Credit Mix (10%) – Do you have a variety of credit types (like loans and credit cards)?
- New Credit (10%) – Have you recently opened new accounts?
These percentages are based on the FICO scoring model. VantageScore uses a similar method, but doesn’t give exact percentages.
How Often Does Credit Score Update?
Your credit score updates whenever there’s new information in your credit report, and that can happen as frequently as every few days. However, in most cases, credit reports are updated at least once a month. The timing depends on when your lenders send your account information to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This information includes your payment history, credit card balances, new credit applications, and any changes to your credit accounts.
Most lenders send these updates on a monthly basis, but they don’t all report on the same schedule. One credit card company might report your balance at the beginning of the month, while another might report it mid-month. Because of this, your credit score might change several times throughout the month if you have more than one account. Every time your credit report is updated, your credit score could be recalculated based on the most recent data.
This means your score isn’t updated daily, but it can still change pretty often. If you’re making payments, using your credit card, or applying for new credit, those actions can affect your score as soon as they are reported. So, if you’re actively managing your credit, it’s helpful to check your score regularly to stay aware of any changes. Most credit monitoring services update your score weekly or monthly, giving you a general idea of how your credit health is doing.
Do All Credit Bureaus Update at the Same Time?
No, the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—do not update your credit information at the same time. Each lender chooses when and how often they send updates, and they may not report to all three bureaus. Some lenders report to all three, while others may only report to one or two. Because of this, your credit file may look different at each bureau, and your credit score may vary depending on which one you’re looking at.
For example, if your credit card company sends your updated balance to TransUnion on the 5th and to Experian on the 10th, your credit scores from each bureau might not match in real time. This doesn’t mean there’s an error—it simply means the information is being updated on a different schedule. That’s why it’s common to see slightly different scores from each bureau, especially if you’re actively using your credit. Over time, these differences usually even out, but short-term discrepancies are normal.
When Do Lenders Report to Credit Bureaus?
Most lenders, including credit card companies, banks, and other financial institutions, report your credit activity to the credit bureaus once a month. However, the exact date they report can vary depending on your billing cycle. Typically, your lender will send updated information shortly after your billing statement closes, which includes your account balance, payment history, and any changes in your credit usage.
For instance, if your credit card’s billing cycle ends on the 20th of the month, the card issuer might report your updated account information to the credit bureaus a few days afterward. This means that any payments you make or purchases you charge after the 20th may not be reflected until the following month’s report. This timing can affect your credit score, especially if you’re making large payments or significant purchases just before your billing cycle closes. Keeping track of your billing cycle and when your lender reports can help you manage your credit more effectively.
How Often Should You Check Your Credit Score?
You don’t need to check your credit score every day, but checking it once a month is a smart habit. This helps you spot any sudden drops or errors early. Many banks and credit card companies now offer free credit score tracking as part of their services.
If you notice your score drop, look for recent changes like:
- A missed payment
- A new hard inquiry (from a loan or credit card application)
- A big increase in credit card balance
- A closed credit account
These actions can lower your score, and checking regularly helps you stay informed.
What Causes Your Credit Score to Change?
Your score may go up or down depending on what’s happening in your financial life. Here are some common reasons:
Your Score May Go Up If:
- You pay your bills on time
- You reduce your credit card balances
- You keep old accounts open and active
- You limit how often you apply for new credit
Your Score May Go Down If:
- You miss or make late payments
- You use a large portion of your available credit
- You apply for multiple credit cards or loans in a short time
- A lender closes one of your accounts
Even small changes, like using more of your credit line one month, can cause your score to dip temporarily.
How Long Do Changes Stay on Your Credit Report?
Different types of credit activity can remain on your credit report for varying lengths of time, and understanding this can help you manage your credit more effectively. Here’s a breakdown of how long each type of information typically stays on your report:
- On-Time Payments: On-time payments are the most positive factor on your credit report. If you make your payments on time, this positive activity can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years. It’s one of the best ways to build a strong credit history over time.
- Late Payments: Unfortunately, late payments can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years. Even if you catch up on payments, these marks can negatively affect your score for a long time, making it harder to qualify for credit with favorable terms.
- Hard Inquiries (like loan applications): When you apply for credit, a hard inquiry is recorded on your report. These typically stay on your credit report for 2 years, but their impact on your credit score is usually only felt for the first year. After this period, hard inquiries no longer significantly affect your score.
- Bankruptcies: Bankruptcies are serious financial events, and they can have long-lasting effects on your credit. Depending on the type, a bankruptcy can remain on your credit report for 7 to 10 years. This can make it more difficult to obtain credit, but over time, the impact may lessen as long as you manage your credit responsibly moving forward.
So, while your score may update frequently based on your recent financial activity, remember that the items on your credit report, especially negative ones, can stick around for several years. This makes it important to monitor your credit report regularly and take steps to ensure positive behaviors are reflected in your credit history.
Can You Speed Up Credit Score Updates?
Not really. You can’t make lenders report faster, but you can do things that may cause your score to improve sooner. For example:
- Pay down debt before your statement closes so your credit use appears lower
- Ask for a credit limit increase to improve your credit utilization ratio
- Avoid applying for too many new accounts at once
These actions don’t instantly change your score, but they can help it improve over time.
Why Is It Important to Know When Your Score Updates?
Understanding when your credit score updates is crucial for managing your financial health. It helps you plan ahead, especially if you’re preparing to apply for a loan, credit card, or mortgage. For instance, if you’ve recently paid off a significant amount of debt, waiting for the updated score to reflect this change can help you secure better loan rates. On the other hand, if you’re about to make a large purchase or apply for credit, it’s important to check your score beforehand to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Knowing when your score updates also helps you stay on top of any sudden changes in your credit report. If your score drops unexpectedly, you can look back at the month’s credit activity to identify what caused the decline. Whether it was a late payment, high credit utilization, or a mistake on your credit report, understanding the timing of updates allows you to take quick action and prevent further damage to your credit. By being proactive, you can work to maintain or improve your score more effectively.
Where Can You Check Your Credit Score?
There are many ways to check your credit score for free. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Your Bank or Credit Card Company: Many offer free credit score tools
- Credit Karma or Credit Sesame: Free tools that also give tips to improve your score
- AnnualCreditReport.com: Free yearly access to your full credit reports from all three bureaus (does not include score)
It’s a good idea to use more than one tool to get a full picture of your credit.
Final Thoughts
So, how often does your credit score update? The short answer is: it depends. Most credit scores update at least once a month, and sometimes more often, depending on when your lenders report information. While you can’t control the exact timing, you can take steps to improve and protect your score by managing your money wisely.
By understanding how credit reporting works, checking your score regularly, and practicing good credit habits, you’ll be in a stronger position when it comes time to borrow money, buy a car, or even get a new apartment. Your credit score is always moving—so it’s worth keeping an eye on.