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What is a credit score?

This is a number, roughly between 300 and 800, that offers a measure of an individual's creditworthiness. The most well-known type of credit score is the FICO score.

Banks use a credit score to help determine whether you qualify, and if so under what terms, for a particular credit card, loan, or service.

Last Reviewed: April 2021

Please note: The terms "bank" and "banks" used in these answers generally refer to national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches or agencies of foreign banking organizations that are regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Find out if the OCC regulates your bank. Information provided on HelpWithMyBank.gov should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion of the OCC.

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