FICO and VantageScore are the dominant US models. The score blends payment history (35%), credit utilisation (30%), length of credit history (15%), credit mix (10%) and new credit inquiries (10%).
Switzerland and most of continental Europe use different systems: ZEK and IKO in CH, Schufa in DE, FICP in FR. They are more binary (negative entries vs none) than the US scoring approach. Building credit means using credit responsibly: pay on time, keep utilisation under 30%, and avoid frequent applications.
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A US borrower with a 760 FICO score qualifies for the lowest mortgage rates; a 650 score pays 0.5–1 percentage point more, costing tens of thousands over a 30-year loan.