Credit Score Basics

• Abra Roberts
• Nov 1, 2022
• Credit Score Basics

The way your credit is gauged is through your credit score. Your credit score is a number between 300 and 850 assigned to your credit based on feedback provided by creditors to any of three credit reporting bureaus. Your credit score rates your ability to pay depending on where it falls within the credit score range. A higher score can help you unlock savings and benefits through better interest rates and more favorable loan terms. The better your credit score, the more likely a creditor is to trust that you will pay them back. A strong credit history can help you towards goals like buying a car, home, or even starting a business.

There are three primary national credit bureaus that monitor and report on your credit — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can request these reports from each of the three primary credit reporting bureaus every 12 months for no charge as a way to track your score.

Simple Steps to Build Your Credit

The key to building good credit is to start with a foundation – which, in this case, is your current credit score – and build from there. It’s all about how you spend the money you earn and how much debt you incur. As you set your foundation for building good credit, know it may take time, but it’s never too late to start. Set small, achievable goals and give yourself a big pat on the back each time you accomplish one. Learn how to build and manage your credit score by visiting Fannie Mae’s Credit Education.