What is a credit score?

Your credit score is a number between 300 and 900 that sums up how reliably you repay money you borrow. Lenders look at it in seconds to decide whether to give you a loan or card, and at what interest rate.

Higher is better. Above 750 is considered strong and usually gets you the best offers. Between 650 and 750 is fair. Below 650, lenders get cautious.

The good news: your score is not fixed. It moves as your habits change — so a low score today can become a strong one with a few steady steps.