In 2026, your credit score might be more important than ever. With household prices rising and interest rates remaining at stubbornly high levels, getting approved for the loans you need at a cost you can afford is critical.
A credit score is a three-digit number that typically ranges from about 300 to 850, depending on the model used. Lenders consider your credit score an approximation of how likely you are to repay borrowed money, according to Kiplinger. Scores in the “good” range, generally around 670-739 for FICO models, mean you’re viewed as less risky.
