When it comes to keeping your credit score healthy there are lots of factors to consider.

Some are super important, like consistently paying your debts on time, and keeping card balances well below their limits.

Others also rank high, like not closing credit-card accounts that are already paid off, and monitoring your score to make sure there are no surprises.

There are, however, three things that consumers used to worry about related to their credit standing that to some extent they no longer must:

1. Student Debt. During the COVID-19 pandemic, student loan borrowers, including those whose loans were in default, were widely granted accommodations. Payment obligations for federal student loans have been temporarily suspended by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). By eliminating the impact of delinquency and default, many borrowers are likely to see their scores improve—especially as they take full advantage of the ED’s program benefits and maintain their loans in good standing.
2. Medical Collections. VantageScore’s most recently introduced credit score models no longer factoring in medical debt and collections—a move that could raise many consumers’ credit scores. The reason? Research and analysis reveal that medical debt is not an indicator of how consumers handle other debts. Because the debt is incurred based on unforeseen circumstances, or complicated, opaque insurance and healthcare provider billing practices, it excludes otherwise credit-worthy individuals.
3. Paid Collections. When consumers default on obligations with creditors, service providers or property owners, they often see their loan obligations taken over by third-party collection agencies. . Since 2013 VantageScore stopped using collections that have been paid off. 

VantageScore began in 2006 with the mission to use data analytics to drive innovation and inclusion—giving consumers more credit access, and helping lenders make better lending decisions. As an alternative credit-scoring organization, founded by the three credit-reporting agencies in the U.S. (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion), VantageScore has the ability to score approximately 96% of the U.S. adult population—including 37 million consumers previously considered credit invisible using legacy scoring models. VantageScore is now known as a key driver of equitable access to mainstream credit.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. VantageScore results may vary and not all lenders use VantageScore or may use a different version of a VantageScore credit scoring model.  All third-party brand marks are the property of their respective owners and do not necessarily imply product endorsement or affiliation with VantageScore. While VantageScore attempts to verify the accuracy and availability of the listed products and services, it cannot guaranty the accuracy and availability of such products and services and all information in this article is presented without any warranty.