The Payment History Grid

Most reports show a month-by-month grid for each account: little squares for every reported month, marked OK or 30/60/90+. It is your payment streak made visible.

Why it matters

Payment history is the largest FICO factor at 35%. The grid is where that factor comes from, and it is also where reporting errors most often hide - a month marked late that you paid on time.

Key facts

• A payment is generally reported late only when it is 30 or more days past due; a fee can apply earlier, but the credit mark starts at 30.
• One 30-day late on an otherwise clean file can cost a meaningful number of points; the damage fades as it ages.
• Grid mistakes happen: payments posted late by the servicer, not by you.
• The grid usually covers about seven years of history per account.
• Consistent OKs after a late mark steadily dilute it; time is the repair.

In practice

1. Compare each account's grid against your bank statements for any month marked late.
2. Dispute grid errors with bank proof attached; this is one of the highest-win-rate disputes.
3. Protect the streak: autopay at least the minimum on every open account.