1. **Credit Utilization Ratio**: This is the amount of credit you’re using compared to your total available credit. High credit utilization can lower your score. Ideally, you should keep this ratio below 30%.

2. **Payment History**: Consistently making on-time payments boosts your credit score, while late or missed payments can severely damage it.

3. **Length of Credit History**: Longer credit histories generally lead to higher scores. Having debt over a long period, if managed well, can positively affect your score.

4. **Types of Credit**: A mix of credit types (e.g., credit cards, mortgages, student loans) can improve your score. Having and responsibly managing different types of debt shows you can handle various financial obligations.

5. **New Credit**: Frequently applying for new debt can lower your score, as it can indicate financial distress or a higher risk of overextending yourself.

6. **Total Amount Owed**: The total amount of debt you owe also affects your score. Higher debt levels can lower your score, especially if you're close to your credit limits.

Managing debt responsibly, making timely payments, and keeping credit utilization low are key to maintaining a healthy credit score.