A credit score is a number that indicates the measure of a consumer's credit risk at a particular point in time. Credit scores are calculated from information contained in a consumer's credit report using a standardized formula.

The typical range for credit scores is between 375 and 900, with 375 indicating a poor credit risk, and 900 indicating a high likelihood that any credit extended will be repaid as agreed, although there is a lot of disagreement as to what the bottom and top numbers of that range truly are. The average credit score in the United States is around 680.

Until recently, your credit score was not available to you. Only lenders and other businesses that used the score could access it. Fair Isaac and Company felt that the score would only confuse consumers since there was nothing to tell them what it meant or what the lenders were looking for.

In 2001, however, all of this changed due to pressure from the U.S. Congress, industry, and consumer groups. Now you can get your credit score at a number of Web sites, including the big three credit bureaus, and at Fair Isaac's Web site. You can also ask your lender for access to your score when you apply for a loan.