Credit Card Glossary: Terms and Definitions
Credit score
A credit score is a three digit number that summarizes how well a person or business has handled debt. The higher the number, the better. Those with high scores can qualify for larger loans at better rates. Those with low scores will get poor terms, or be turned down. There are a variety of credit scores using different formulas; what they have in common is that they judge risk and try to predict future behavior. Credit lines outstanding, debt-to-income ratio and (especially) past payment behavior are among the factors in a person’s credit score. The firm FICO pioneered the use of credit scores, and its product, the FICO score, remains the best known.
Terms from A-Z
Search the CreditCards.com glossary for every credit-related term from "account holder" to "zombie debt." Select a letter for alphabetized terms and definitions.