Your credit score isn’t just a number—it’s the key to better loan rates, whether you’re buying a home, a car, or just want financial flexibility. Here’s the plain ole English guide to understanding and boosting yours.

Credit Score vs. Credit Report

• Score: Your “grade” (300–850) based on how you handle debt. Lenders use this to decide your loan terms.
• Report: The raw data (payment history, open accounts, etc.) that determines your score.

Pro tip: Check all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. Errors happen—fix them fast!

What’s a “Good” Score?

• 720+: Gold star. You’ll get the best rates.
• 680–719: Solid, but you might pay slightly higher interest.
• Below 660: Fewer loan options, higher costs. Time to rebuild.

5 Ways to Boost Your Score Fast

1. Pay on time, every time (35% of your score). Set calendar reminders or autopay.
2. Keep balances low (under 30% of your limit—ideally under 10%). High balances hurt, even if you pay them off later.
3. Don’t close old cards (15% of your score). Long history = trust.
4. Avoid new credit applications before a big loan (hard inquiries ding your score).
5. Ignore store cards (high rates, low limits = trouble).

What Not to Do

• Max out cards (“I’ll pay it next month” = score drop).
• Open multiple accounts at once (looks risky to lenders).
• Ignore small debts (unpaid tickets can go to collections).

The Good News

Bad marks fade over time. Start today, and in 6–12 months, you’ll see progress.

Next up: 3 Credit Mistakes You’re Probably Making.

---