What Is Your Credit Score Costing You? - Rate Impact Simulator
Your credit score isn't just a number - it's a price tag on your mortgage.
This tool provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual rates and results depend on your specific situation. Rates last updated 2026-04-06. Rates are subject to change at any time.
Your Credit Score Is a Price Tag
Every mortgage rate you see advertised is for borrowers with top-tier credit. If your score is below 760, you’re paying more - and the gap adds up fast.
The Good News
Small credit improvements can mean big rate changes. Moving from 680 to 720 could save you hundreds per month. And many of the fixes take weeks, not years.
What Lenders Actually Look At
Your credit score summarizes your payment history (35%), amounts owed / utilization (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit inquiries (10%), and credit mix (10%). Utilization - the percentage of your available credit you’re using - is the fastest lever to pull.
The 30% Rule
Keep all credit card balances below 30% of their limits. If your card has a $10,000 limit, keep the balance under $3,000. This single change can boost your score 20-40 points within one to two billing cycles.