Which of the following is the lowest-weight factor in the VantageScore?

The factor that holds the lowest weight in the VantageScore model is indeed the measure of available credit. In the context of credit scoring, available credit refers to the total amount of credit that a consumer has access to but has not used. While it is a relevant component of assessing a consumer's creditworthiness, it is not weighted as heavily as other factors such as payment history, which is typically the most significant factor affecting a score.

Payment history represents an individual's track record of making payments on time, and it significantly influences credit scores because it indicates reliability in fulfilling debt obligations. Similarly, balances and utilization ratios, which reflect how much credit is being used relative to the available credit, are given more weight because they can provide direct insight into a consumer's current financial behavior and risk.

Understanding the weight of each factor in the VantageScore model is crucial for consumers aiming to improve their credit profiles and scores. By recognizing that available credit has the lowest impact, individuals can focus on managing their payment history and utilization more effectively, thereby fostering a healthier credit profile.