Credit Score & Health

A number, generally between 300 and 850, that tells lenders how risky you appear to borrow to, with a higher score signaling lower risk. Lenders read it as a range (excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor) rather than a single figure. It is shaped mainly by payment history and credit utilization, along with length of credit history, credit mix, and new applications.

A score in the 670 to 739 range, considered the sweet spot where you start receiving competitive interest rates on loans and credit cards. It signals you are a reliable, healthy borrower, which raises your approval odds and can lower costs like insurance premiums in some states.

A score at the lower end of the 300 to 850 scale, generally anything below 580 in the FICO model. It signals significant financial difficulties such as late payments, defaults, or a lack of credit history, which makes approval harder and usually means higher interest rates. It is not permanent and can be rebuilt over time with a disciplined strategy.

The percentage of your available revolving credit that you are currently using, calculated by dividing your total card balances by your total credit limits and multiplying by 100. It applies to revolving credit like credit cards, not installment loans such as mortgages or auto loans. A lower ratio suggests conservative credit use, while a higher one can signal financial strain and hurt your score even if you never miss a payment.

A credit freeze, also called a security freeze, restricts access to your credit report so lenders cannot pull it to approve new accounts in your name. It does not affect your existing accounts or your credit score, which makes it a proactive tool against identity theft.