What is the valid number of trade lines required to consider a FICO score?

A valid FICO score typically requires at least two trade lines to be considered in the credit scoring process. Trade lines are the accounts listed on a credit report, such as credit cards, loans, or mortgages.

Having two trade lines allows the credit scoring model to analyze a broader range of credit behavior and payment histories. This can include factors such as payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, and types of credit used, all of which contribute to the scoring algorithm. Without at least two trade lines, the scoring model may not have enough information to generate an accurate score.

This is why two trade lines is the minimum requirement for a FICO score to be calculated. It provides a more reliable representation of an individual's creditworthiness compared to having only one trade line, which may not adequately reflect financial behavior.