Why is my credit score going down when I have no debt?
William Jenkins
Updated on February 19, 2026
Your credit score may go down after paying off a loan or a credit-card balance. When you pay off a credit-card balance, avoid canceling the credit card altogether, because that can affect your credit utilization. Ultimately, the long-term benefit of paying off debt outweighs any temporary hit to your credit score.
What is your credit score if you have never had debt?
But if you’ve never had credit and don’t have a credit score, that doesn’t mean you have a zero credit score. You have the absence of a score: You’re “credit invisible.”
What happens if you have a low credit score?
Despite having a low score, if you get a card or loan, then your credit limit may be low or you might have to pay a very high rate of interest. To prevent this, you must improve your credit score. There are different ways using which you can repair your credit score. Some of them are as follows:
How can a personal loan improve your credit score?
Open a credit card and use it monthly. But pay your balance in full and on time every month. If you already have credit card debt, a personal loan could be a good option to get out of debt faster and improve your score.
Can a credit card help your credit score?
Obtaining credit cards and loans can help your credit score, but only if you make on-time payments. Be careful about which cards and loans you choose, as not all are equal. Research your options thoroughly and ask the right questions before trapping yourself in bad debt.
How does opening a new credit card affect your credit score?
Therefore, every new credit card you open decreases the average length of your credit history. While new card accounts often lower your credit score about five points, it typically rebounds in a few months. However, if you frequently open new cards, the negative effect can add up.