What is a credit score? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

: Also known as credit utilization; it measures how much of your available credit you are currently using.

: The variety of accounts you have, such as credit cards, retail accounts, and installment loans (auto, student, or mortgage).

Most scoring models, including the widely used FICO Score (used by 90% of top lenders), calculate your score based on five key factors:

A credit score is a three-digit numerical representation of your creditworthiness, typically ranging from . It acts as a financial "snapshot" that tells lenders how likely you are to repay borrowed money on time. Core Components of a Credit Score

: Includes recent credit inquiries and recently opened accounts. Credit Score Ranges & Meaning

: The most critical factor; it tracks whether you pay bills on time.