A credit score is a mathematical model consisting of numerous variables used to estimate one's credit risk. The most commonly used model is called FICO ® (named after its creator, the Fair Isaac Company).
Your FICO ® credit score is used to evaluate your creditworthiness by giving you a certain amount of points based on the information contained in your credit report and your debt-to-income ratio. The highest score a person can receive is 850; the lowest is 300, but generally, a score of 720 or higher means your credit is considered to be good (but it could be improved). A score below 660 means that you might have trouble obtaining credit or you will definitely have to pay a higher interest rate for the financing you do receive.
It should be noted that not every single lender uses the FICO ® model; however, the models they use are very similar to it. Also, lenders vary in what is important to them in terms of loan approval. One lender might place more weight on payment history, while another places more weight on income.
Typical Credit Score Composition: |