What do lenders typically evaluate in a borrower's credit history?

Lenders primarily evaluate the borrower’s payment history on previous debts because this aspect of the credit history provides critical insights into the borrower’s ability to manage their financial obligations. A strong payment history shows that the borrower has consistently made payments on time, which reflects reliability and decreases the lender’s perceived risk in granting a loan. This is a key component of a credit score and plays a significant role in lending decisions.

In contrast, other elements like employment history or overall economic stability can impact loan approvals; however, they do not directly reflect the borrower’s past financial behavior as accurately as payment history does. Moreover, while current bank account balances are relevant in assessing a borrower’s current financial situation, they do not provide a comprehensive view of the borrower’s creditworthiness over time. Thus, payment history stands out as the essential factor in evaluating a borrower’s creditworthiness for loan considerations.