Credit Score
A numerical representation of your creditworthiness, typically ranging from 300 to 850. Credit scores are calculated by scoring models (like FICO or VantageScore) using data from your credit report. Lenders use credit scores to assess the risk of lending money.
Related guides
- Full credit & FICO® glossary
Browse all defined terms by category.
- FICO Score
A three-digit number ranging from 300 to 850 that represents your creditworthiness, calculated by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) using data from your credit report. Used by 90% of top US lenders to evaluate loan and credit card applications.
- VantageScore
A credit scoring model developed jointly by Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, first introduced in 2006. VantageScore 3.0 and 4.0 also use a 300–850 scale. Commonly used by free credit monitoring services and some fintech lenders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Credit Score
What does Credit Score mean?
A numerical representation of your creditworthiness, typically ranging from 300 to 850. Credit scores are calculated by scoring models (like FICO or VantageScore) using data from your credit report. Lenders use credit scores to assess the risk of lending money.
Is Credit Score important for my FICO® score?
Understanding Credit Score helps you manage your credit profile more effectively, which in turn supports a stronger FICO® score.