SCHUFA Reform 2026:The New Scoring System Explained
At the end of March 2026, the biggest SCHUFA reform in years will launch. Only 12 factors instead of 250+ criteria, unified score for everyone, and a new Score Simulator. What this means for your creditworthiness in Germany.
Looking for a loan in Germany? Compare now
Compare Loan OffersFree - No obligation - SCHUFA-neutral inquiry
Table of Contents
1. SCHUFA Reform 2026 Overview
SCHUFA, Germany's largest credit rating agency, is introducing its most transparent scoring system to date at the end of March 2026. The reform addresses years of criticism about the opacity of credit assessments and brings fundamental changes for over 68 million registered individuals.
Key Changes at a Glance
Background of the Reform
The reform is a response to years of criticism from consumer advocates and a 2023 European Court of Justice ruling demanding more transparency in automated scoring decisions. Additionally, so-called "geoscoring" (rating based on residential location) has been significantly restricted.
2. The 12 New Scoring Factors
Instead of the previous 250+ opaque criteria, the new SCHUFA score is based on only 12 clearly defined factors. These are being fully disclosed for the first time:
Age of Oldest Credit Card
The longer your credit history, the better. An old credit card shows long-term financial stability.
Length of Residence
Longer residence indicates stability. Frequent moves can have a negative impact.
Number of Credit Inquiries
Many inquiries in a short time signal financial difficulties. Rate inquiries are neutral.
Existing Contracts and Accounts
Active accounts and contracts in good standing improve your score. Quality over quantity.
Negative Entries
Dunning notices, collections, bankruptcy have the strongest negative impact on your score.
Payment History
On-time payments in the past are one of the most important positive factors.
Credit Utilization
Under 30% utilization is ideal. Those constantly at their limit are considered riskier.
Credit Type Mix
Different credit types (installment loan, credit card, mortgage) show responsible handling.
Total Debt
The ratio of debt to estimated income. Moderate debt is unproblematic.
Current Loans
Number and status of ongoing loans. Regularly serviced loans have a positive effect.
Account Change Frequency
Frequently changing bank accounts can be viewed as instability.
Demographic Factors
Significantly restricted by new regulations. Location has much less influence than before.
Important to Know
The weighting of individual factors is not disclosed by SCHUFA. However, it is known that negative entries and payment history have the greatest impact, while demographic factors have been significantly devalued by the reform.
3. The New Score Scale: 100 to 999 Points
With the reform, the score scale is also being unified. Instead of various industry-specific scores, there is now a single score from 100 to 999 points:
| Score Range | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 900 - 999 | Excellent | Very low default probability. Best loan conditions. |
| 800 - 899 | Very Good | Low default probability. Good loan conditions possible. |
| 700 - 799 | Good | Average risk. Standard conditions. |
| 600 - 699 | Satisfactory | Increased risk. Possibly higher interest rates. |
| 400 - 599 | Adequate | Significantly increased risk. Loans harder to obtain. |
| 100 - 399 | Critical | High default risk. Loans usually rejected. |
Unified Score - What Does It Mean?
Previously, consumers saw a different score in their SCHUFA report than landlords or banks. Each company received an industry-specific score. From March 2026, everyone sees the same score:
- Before: Consumer sees 95%, Bank sees 87%, Landlord sees 92%
- From 2026: Everyone sees the same score, e.g., 847 points
4. The New Score Simulator
One of the most exciting innovations is the Score Simulator. Consumers can now simulate in advance how certain actions will affect their score.
What Can the Score Simulator Do?
Simulate...
- Taking out a new loan
- Canceling a credit card
- Paying off existing debt
- Applying for an overdraft
- Signing a mobile phone contract
And See...
- Expected score change
- Time until recovery
- Optimization recommendations
- Comparison of different scenarios
- Detailed explanations
Access to the Score Simulator
The Score Simulator will be available free of charge to all SCHUFA users from the end of March 2026. Access is via meineSCHUFA.de after registration and identity verification.
5. Shorter Deletion Periods - 18 Instead of 36 Months
A significant improvement for consumers: One-time payment delays will now be deleted after just 18 months - previously it was 36 months (3 years).
| Entry Type | Previously | From March 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| One-time payment delay | 36 months | 18 months |
| Titled claims (paid) | 36 months | 18 months |
| Completed collection procedures | 36 months | 24 months |
| Personal bankruptcy (from discharge) | 36 months | 36 months |
| Statutory declaration | 36 months | 36 months |
What This Means for You
If you had a one-time payment delay in the past (e.g., a forgotten bill), it will now be deleted from your SCHUFA record much sooner. This significantly improves your chances of getting good loan conditions earlier than before.
6. Impact for Consumers
Advantages of the Reform
- More Transparency: You finally understand how your score is calculated
- Fair Assessment: Location barely matters anymore
- Faster Recovery: One-time mistakes are forgotten faster
- Predictability: Score Simulator shows impacts in advance
- Uniformity: No more surprises with loan applications
Possible Disadvantages
- New Scale: Adjustment can be confusing at first
- Historical Data: Old factors may have different effects
- Less Differentiation: Industry-specific scores are eliminated
What You Should Do Now
- Get Your SCHUFA Report: Check your current situation
- Correct Errors: Have incorrect entries deleted now
- Keep Old Credit Cards: Older cards improve your score
- Pay Bills on Time: Payment history is crucial
- Do Not Max Out Credit: Stay under 30% utilization
7. Improve Your SCHUFA Score - Practical Tips
Always Pay Bills on Time
The most important factor! Set up standing orders or direct debits to never miss a payment.
Do Not Max Out Credit
Use a maximum of 30% of your overdraft or credit card limit. Those constantly at the limit appear risky.
Keep Old Credit Cards
The age of your oldest credit card is an important factor. Do not cancel old cards lightly.
Only Make Rate Inquiries
When comparing loans, look for "Konditionsanfrage" (rate inquiry). These are SCHUFA-neutral.
Check SCHUFA Regularly
Request a free report once a year. Report errors immediately and have them deleted.
Maintain Stable Address
Frequent moves can have a negative impact. Length of residence is one of the 12 factors.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the SCHUFA Reform 2026 take effect?
The SCHUFA Reform takes effect at the end of March 2026. From this point, the new transparent scoring system with only 12 factors instead of the previous 250+ criteria will apply.
What changes with the SCHUFA Score in 2026?
The main changes are:
- Only 12 factors instead of 250+ criteria
- New scale from 100-999 points
- Consumers and companies see the same score
- New Score Simulator for impact analysis
- Shorter deletion periods (18 instead of 36 months)
What are the 12 factors influencing the new SCHUFA Score?
The 12 factors are: age of oldest credit card, length of residence at current address, number of credit inquiries, existing contracts and accounts, negative entries, payment history, credit utilization, credit type mix, total debt, current loans, account change frequency, and demographic factors.
How long are negative SCHUFA entries stored?
With the 2026 reform, one-time payment delays will be deleted after 18 months(previously 36 months). Serious negative entries like bankruptcy remain stored for 3 years.
What is the SCHUFA Score Simulator?
The Score Simulator is a new SCHUFA tool that allows consumers to simulate how certain actions will affect their score - for example, taking out a new loan or closing a credit card. It will be available free of charge from the end of March 2026.
Do companies and consumers see the same SCHUFA Score?
Yes, from March 2026, both consumers and companies will see the same score. Previously, companies often received a different, industry-specific score than consumers in their self-disclosure.
Looking for a Loan? Compare Now
Find the best loan for your needs. Free comparison, SCHUFA-neutral rate inquiry.
Free - No obligation - SCHUFA-neutral
More Financial Guides: