How Does Your Credit Score Stack Up?

A new report shows more people are falling into the danger zone that marks them as risks for lenders. Find out what you can do to avoid this.

There is good news and bad news about the credit scores of Americans. The good news is that the percentage of people (17.9%) with credit scores of 800 or more has increased in recent years. However, the percentage of people (25.5%) whose scores are 599 or below also has been on the rise, according to figures released July 12 by FICO, the company that compiles credit scores.

That means more people are at risk of being turned down for credit cards, mortgages and other loans. So, do you know your credit score? If you don't, finding this numerical summary of how much you owe and how promptly you pay your bills is easy. See our quick and easy recipe for getting your score.

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Cameron Huddleston
Former Online Editor, Kiplinger.com

Award-winning journalist, speaker, family finance expert, and author of Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk.

Cameron Huddleston wrote the daily "Kip Tips" column for Kiplinger.com. She joined Kiplinger in 2001 after graduating from American University with an MA in economic journalism.