What is a Credit Score and How Can You Improve It?

A credit score is one of the most important numbers in your financial life. Whether you’re applying for a credit card, financing a vehicle, or renting an apartment, your credit score can influence your approval and the terms you’re offered. Understanding how it works and how to improve it can open doors to better opportunities.

What is a Credit Score?

A credit score is a three-digit number that represents your credit worthiness. It ranges from 300 to 850, with higher scores indicating lower risk for lenders. Lenders use this score to determine whether you qualify for loans or credit, and what interest rate you’ll pay.

There are multiple scoring models, but the FICO score is the most widely used. It considers payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, credit mix, and new credit inquiries.

You can explore the breakdown and definition of a good credit score in this Experian guide.

Why Your Credit Score is Important

Your credit score plays a major role in your financial future. It can:

• Influence loan and credit card approvals
• Determine interest rates for mortgages or personal loans
• Impact car insurance premiums
• Affect rental applications and utility deposits

With a higher score, you can qualify for better financial products and save money over time. As NerdWallet explains, great credit is a powerful financial tool that can lead to long-term savings and financial flexibility.

Components That Affect Your Credit Score

Knowing what impacts your score can help you take the right steps toward improvement.

• Payment History (35%): Pay all bills on time. Late payments can damage your score quickly.
• Credit Utilization (30%): Keep your balances below 30% of your credit limit.
• Length of Credit History (15%): The longer your credit history, the better.
• Credit Mix (10%): Having different types of credit (credit cards, loans, etc.) can help.
• New Credit (10%): Too many credit applications in a short time can lower your score.

Need support managing your credit profile? Curis Financial members have access to GreenPath Financial Wellness which provides  financial education and personalized coaching.

What is a Good Credit Score Range?

Scores can generally be classified as:

• Excellent: 800+
• Very Good: 740–799
• Good: 670–739
• Fair: 580–669
• Poor: Below 580

The higher your score, the more likely you are to qualify for credit with better terms. Want to dig deeper into what makes a good credit score? Visit this helpful Experian guide.

How to Check Your Credit Score

You’re entitled to a free credit report every year from each of the three major bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Staying informed is the first step to improving your financial health. If you’re a Curis Financial member,  we can help you interpret your score and plan for the future.

Tips for Rebuilding Credit

If you’ve had credit trouble in the past, rebuilding is possible with time and consistency. 

Here are a few strategies to start rebuilding:

• Open a secured credit card and use it responsibly
• Pay bills on time, every time
• Reduce debt as much as possible
• Avoid applying for too many new credit accounts at once
• Use a line of credit to show responsible credit management (see Curis Financial’s Line of Credit Loans)

Rebuilding credit isn’t just about paying down debt — it’s about forming healthy financial habits that support long-term stability.

Take Charge of Your Credit with Curis Financial

Improving your credit score takes time, but the benefits are well worth the effort. Curis Financial is here to help.Start improving your credit score today by visiting Curis Financial and taking the first step toward financial wellness.