What is a credit score?

Companies use credit scores to make decisions on whether to offer you a mortgage, credit card, auto loan, and other credit products, as well as for tenant screening and insurance. They are also used to determine the interest rate and credit limit you receive.

Companies use a mathematical formula—called a scoring model—to create your credit score from the information in your credit report.

What factors impact my credit score?

Factors that are typically taken into account by credit scoring models include:

• Your bill-paying history
• Your current unpaid debt
• The number and type of loan accounts you have
• How long you have had your loan accounts open
• How much of your available credit you’re using
• New applications for credit
• Whether you have had a debt sent to collection, a foreclosure, or a bankruptcy, and how long ago

You do not have just “one” credit score. Each credit score depends on the data used to calculate it, and it may differ depending on the scoring model (which itself may depend on the type of loan product the score will be used for), the source of the data used, and even the day when it was calculated.

Usually a higher score makes it easier to qualify for a loan and may result in a better interest rate or loan terms. Most credit scores range from 300-850.

Learn how to access your credit scores for free.

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