What your three-digit score means, what moves it, and how to build one from scratch. The truth about the number that silently opens (or closes) financial doors for decades.
A credit score is a number — usually between 300 and 850 — that summarizes how reliable you are at borrowing money. The most common version is the FICO score.
Your score is built from five things, weighted differently:
Miguel had no credit at 18 — not bad credit, just no credit, which is its own problem. He couldn't rent an apartment without a co-signer.
Key takeaway: Your credit score is your financial reputation in number form. It controls whether you get apartments, car loans, and good interest rates. Build it on purpose by paying on time and keeping balances low.
Questions people ask
Does checking my own score hurt it?
No. That's a 'soft pull.' Only when a lender pulls your credit (for a loan or new card) is it a 'hard pull,' which causes a small temporary dip.
How long does a missed payment stay on my report?
7 years, but its impact fades over time. After 18-24 months of on-time payments, the damage is mostly absorbed.
What's a good score for a teen?
Anything over 700 is great for someone with limited history. Even 650 puts you ahead of most peers.
Are there different credit scores?
Yes — FICO and VantageScore are the main families, and each has several versions. Don't obsess over exact numbers across models; focus on the trend.
How fast can I build credit from zero?
With one secured or student card used responsibly, you can often reach 680–720 in about 6–12 months. Beyond that, older age of accounts is the only lever left.
Does income affect my credit score?
No, not directly. Lenders see income on applications, but the score formula ignores it. You can have a great score on a small income.