Below are the top 5 components that make up a FICO score.  In no particular order, they are:

• Payment History. One of the most important factors in a credit score is whether or not bills are paid on time. Payments 30 days past due are typically reported to all three bureaus and will negatively impact a score.
• Revolving Debt Balances. Another important factor is the amount owed on revolving debt. Balances at or near credit limits will have a negative impact on one’s score.
• Length of Credit History. Consumers with new or recent credit profiles will be affected. This is one factor that is out of the control of consumers and Baker noted that maintaining a satisfactory credit history over a prolonged period of time is the only solution to improving this scoring component.
• Types of Credit in Use. Excessive revolving debt (credit cards or other unsecured lines of credit) will typically have a negative impact on one’s score. Baker recommends no more than two open revolving debt accounts at a time.
• Inquiries. Although a minor component to the overall score, excessive “hard inquires” on your credit profile will begin to drag down a score.