Which factor contributes 30% to an individual's credit score?

The factor that contributes 30% to an individual's credit score is the capacity, often referred to as the amount owed or utilization ratio. This aspect evaluates how much credit a person is using compared to their total available credit limits. A lower utilization ratio indicates that an individual is using only a small portion of their available credit, which is viewed positively by lenders and can lead to a higher credit score.

This component is essential because it reflects an individual's ability to manage their credit responsibly. High credit utilization may signal to lenders that a person is potentially over-leveraged or might struggle to meet future financial obligations, which can negatively impact their creditworthiness.

Understanding capacity helps individuals to maintain a healthy credit score by encouraging them to keep their credit utilization below recommended thresholds, typically below 30%. This strategic management of credit balances can lead to improved credit scores over time.