Suggest lower risk, leading to lower interest rates and better loan terms.

A credit score is a numerical snapshot of your creditworthiness, typically ranging from in major models like FICO and VantageScore.

Whether you’re eyeing a new car, a home, or just a better credit card, your credit score is the three-digit number that opens doors. It acts as a financial passport, signaling to lenders how likely you are to pay them back on time.

But what exactly goes into that number, and how can you keep it high? Let’s break it down. What Is a Credit Score?