How TransUnion Credit Score Is Calculated
by Joe Mahlow • Updated on Jul. 24, 2025
TransUnion Credit Score Visual Guide
Credit Score Range Visualization
750
Very Good
300-579
Very Poor
580-669
Fair
670-739
Good
740-799
Very Good
800-850
Excellent
What Makes Up Your TransUnion Credit Score
35%
Payment History
Your track record of making payments on time
30%
Credit Utilization
How much credit you're using vs. available
15%
Credit History Length
How long you've been using credit
10%
Credit Mix
Variety of credit types you manage
10%
New Credit
Recent credit inquiries and accounts
How TransUnion Calculates Your Credit Score: Step by Step
The Mathematical Process
From Raw Data → Weighted Analysis → Final Score
Step 1: Data Collection
Algorithm scans your credit report for all account information, payment records, balances, and inquiry data
Step 2: Data Processing
Raw data converted into numerical values, dates calculated, patterns identified
Step 3: Weight Application
Each factor multiplied by its importance percentage (35%, 30%, 15%, 10%, 10%)
Step 4: Score Generation
Weighted components combined through statistical model to produce 300-850 score
Example: How Your Score Adds Up
Sample calculation for a 750 credit score
262
Payment History Points
(35% × 750 = 262.5)
225
Utilization Points
(30% × 750 = 225)
112
History Length Points
(15% × 750 = 112.5)
75
Credit Mix Points
(10% × 750 = 75)
75
New Credit Points
(10% × 750 = 75)
Total Score: 262 + 225 + 112 + 75 + 75 =
750
Credit Utilization Calculation Example
Understanding the math behind the 30% factor
Your Credit Cards:
Card A: $500 balance / $2,000 limit = 25%
Card B: $300 balance / $1,500 limit = 20%
Card C: $0 balance / $3,000 limit = 0%
Overall Utilization:
$800 total balance ÷ $6,500 total limit
12.3%
Impact on Your Score:
EXCELLENT
Utilization under 30% helps maximize your credit score
The Three Major Credit Bureaus
TU
TransUnion
One of the "Big Three" credit reporting agencies, founded in 1968. Uses both VantageScore and FICO scoring models.
EX
Experian
The largest credit bureau globally, often has the most comprehensive credit file data.
EQ
Equifax
Founded in 1899, one of the oldest credit bureaus with extensive historical data.
Credit Score Improvement Timeline
Month 1-3: Foundation Building
Set up automatic payments, check credit reports for errors, and start monitoring your credit score regularly.
Month 3-6: Habit Formation
Maintain low credit utilization, avoid new credit applications, and see initial improvements in your score.
Month 6-12: Momentum Building
Request credit limit increases, consider credit mix diversification, and track consistent score improvements.
Year 1+: Long-term Success
Maintain excellent habits, negotiate better terms on existing accounts, and enjoy the benefits of excellent credit.