Quick — what's your credit score? If you know it off the top of your head, you're probably well aware of the importance of this number. This numerical summary of how much you owe and how promptly you pay your bills affects not only your ability to get a loan — and at what interest rate — but also can play a role in how much you'll pay for insurance and might even influence your chances of getting a job.
If you're no more likely to know your credit score than the GDP of Guatemala, don't worry — finding your number is easy, and we can help. Understanding it and improving it are other matters all together, but we make this simple, too, with easy-to-follow information and advice.
Start by estimating your credit score. Then check out our package below of stories that explain the ins and outs of credit scores.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Understanding Your Credit Score
What to Make of Your Credit Score?
After a certain point, higher credit scores don't win lower interest rates.
A New Type of Credit Score
Three major credit bureaus introduced the VantageScore in March 2006 to compete directly with the FICO score.
Improving Your Credit Score
By paying bills on time and returning your library books, you can improve a key credit number.
Ask Kim Your Credit-Score Questions
Kim Lankford reveals ways to maximize your magic number.
More Credit Score Answers
Kim Lankford responds to more readers' questions about interpreting and improving their credit scores.
It's a classic Catch-22: You've got to have credit to get credit. So where do you start? With step one in our seven-step guide to building a strong credit record. Plus: Three rules for boosting your credit score.
Find a Quality Credit Counselor
Use our checklist to find a reputable agency that can really improve your financial situation.
Keeping Your Credit Report Clean
Time for a Credit Report Checkup
Do you know what your credit history is saying about you? If you haven't checked this crucial financial record within the past 12 months, it's time to make sure things are in tip-top shape. We show you what to look for and how to fix costly errors.
How to Fix a Credit Report Error
Mistakes on these reports are common. Find out how to set the record straight so your credit isn't blemished.
When One of You Has Bad Credit
I have a lot of debt, but my fiancé has none. How can I prevent my bad credit from affecting him? Would separate accounts help?
-
Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Taxes on Social Security Benefits?Quiz Social Security benefits often come with confusing IRS tax rules that can trip up financially savvy retirees and near-retirees.
-
Are You Ready for 65? The Medicare Initial Enrollment Period QuizQuiz Turning 65 soon? Test your basic knowledge of Medicare's Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) rules in our quick quiz.
-
3 Ways to Stretch the 2026 Social Security COLA For Your BudgetThree steps retirees can take to stretch the Social Security COLA to fit their budgets.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2026Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to save for retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2026 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
When Does Amazon Prime Day End in October? Everything We Know, Plus the Best Deals on Samsonite, Samsung and MoreAmazon Prime The Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale ends soon. Here are the key details you need to know, plus some of our favorite deals members can shop before it's over.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage RateBecoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
