What is a credit score?
A credit score is a number that shows how likely you are to pay back money you borrow. Scores range from 300 to 850. A higher score means better credit.
Lenders and landlords may look at your score when deciding on loans and whether to give you credit or housing. The most common score is called a FICO score, and it's based on information in your credit report.
A low score can make it harder to borrow money or get a good interest rate—but you can improve it.
How to check your credit score for free
- Banks or credit cards: Many banks and credit card issuers offer free credit scores to customers. You can check your online accounts to see if your credit score is available there.
- Nonprofit credit or housing counselors.
- Free apps: You can also check your credit scores by using free apps, like Credit Karma or Credit Sesame. These services don't give your official full credit report, but they can help you get a sense of where your score is.
Keep in mind: You have a right to a free credit report each week from the big three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), and you can dispute inaccuracies on your reports.