You can see how certain actions might affect your credit score using NerdWallet’s Credit Simulator. This tool uses simulations to help you understand how your score might change if, for example, you open or close a credit card, raise your credit limits or get a mortgage or loan.
To use the Credit Simulator from the mobile app
- Open the NerdWallet app (sign in if you aren't already) and tap the Credit Score section at the bottom of the screen.
- Scroll down to the Credit Simulator.
- This will take you to cards showing possible actions, like “Open a credit card with a credit limit of $X,” and “Apply for new credit cards.”
- Try inputting different amounts in each of the fields that appears in gray, then click, "See the change." You’ll then see the estimated effect on your credit score represented by the number at the top of the screen.
To use the Credit Simulator from a desktop or mobile browser
- Sign in to your NerdWallet account and hover over the nine-dot menu in the top right corner, then click Credit Score.
- Scroll down toward the bottom of the page. Click the tile that says Try the credit simulator.
- This will take you to a page with a list of possible actions, like “Decrease my credit balances by $X,” and “Let one of my accounts go to collection.”
- Try inputting different amounts in each of the fields underlined in blue. You’ll then see the estimated effect on your credit score represented by the red and green numbers on the left.
If you’re already signed into your NerdWallet account, you can also access the credit simulator here.
Note that the predicted score changes generated by the Credit Simulator are estimates only, and are not guaranteed.
For more in-depth information about how different actions can impact your credit score, check out these NerdWallet articles:
- What Makes Up Your Credit Score?
- 10 Things You Didn’t Know Could Hurt Your Good Credit
- Virtual People, Real Lessons: How Card Use Affects Credit Score
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