Credit scores don’t have to feel like a mysterious number—this post breaks down what a credit score is (typically 300–850), why it matters for loans, apartments, and even job decisions, and how the modern credit scoring system took shape with FICO becoming the most common model. You’ll learn what “good” looks like (and what can hurt you), plus the five key factors that drive most scores. It also shows you how to check your credit report for free, what to look for when you review it, and how simple habits can help you qualify more easily and pay less interest over time.