credit score

A credit score is like a report card for grown-ups. It's a number that tells banks and other people who might lend you money how dependable you are, based on how you've handled bills and money in the past. Banks and lenders use your credit score to decide if they want to lend you money, and how much interest to charge you. They also use it to decide if you can get a credit card, a loan for a car, or a mortgage to buy a house. Your credit score is based on things like whether you've paid your bills on time in the past, how much money you have borrowed, and how many credit cards you have. It's important to keep your credit score high, so banks and lenders know you are trustworthy and likely to pay back the money you borrow.