Blog/Priya Shah
PS
Research Lead

Priya Shah.

Priya breaks down credit score mechanics and the math behind FICO. Former data analyst who got tired of how badly the bureaus explain their own product.

6 articlesUpdated weekly
Stack of credit cards in muted reds, pinks, and grays on a dark surface, showing card options across credit score bands
Credit Cards

Best Credit Cards by Credit Score: What You Can Actually Get Approved For

Issuer underwriting tiers map closely to FICO score bands. Here's which cards approve at which score, with current published rates as of April 27, 2026.

PSPriya ShahApr 27, 202611 min read
9score models
Credit Score

Credit Utilization Explained: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Lower It

You pay every bill on time. You've never missed a payment. But your credit score still isn't where you think it should be. The problem might be something most people overlook: credit utilization .

PSPriya ShahMar 25, 202612 min read
7years on report
Credit Score

9 Credit Scores You Didn't Know You Had

When someone says "credit score," most people picture a single three-digit number. Maybe it's the FICO score their bank shows them each month, or the VantageScore they see on Credit Karma.

PSPriya ShahMar 25, 202613 min read
Credit Score

Credit Mix Explained: 5 Proven Ways It Impacts Your Credit Score

You've probably heard that paying your bills on time and keeping your credit card balances low are essential for a good credit score. But there's another factor quietly working behind the scenes that many people overlook: your credit mix.

PSPriya ShahDec 28, 20258 min read
Credit Score

How Divorce Affects Your Credit: What You Need to Know

Divorce is one of life's most stressful experiences, and amid the emotional upheaval, financial concerns often take center stage. One question that comes up repeatedly is whether divorce itself damages your credit score.

PSPriya ShahDec 23, 20258 min read
850max FICO
Credit Score

How to Improve Your Credit Score: A Practical Guide

Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your financial life. It affects your ability to get approved for loans, the interest rates you'll pay, and even your chances of renting an apartment or landing certain jobs.

PSPriya ShahDec 17, 20256 min read