What factors influence a credit score?

A credit score is influenced by several key factors, with payment history and amounts owed being two of the most crucial elements. Payment history accounts for a significant portion of a credit score, as it shows whether an individual pays their bills on time. Late payments, defaults, or bankruptcies can greatly diminish a credit score. Amounts owed relates to the total debt a person carries in comparison to their available credit limits, often referred to as credit utilization. Lower credit utilization generally indicates a better credit risk, which can positively impact the score.

The other factors mentioned, like the number of credit cards held, personal income level, age, and recent credit inquiries, have less direct impact on the credit score. While they can play a role in a lender's decision-making process, payment history and the amounts owed are the primary determinants in calculating a credit score. Therefore, option B correctly identifies the main factors that influence a credit score.