 TITLE: How to Qualify for New Credit with No Credit Score CONTENT: What Is a Credit Score?\n-----------------------\nUnderstanding what a credit score is, is important because lenders, credit card issuers and car dealers use these scores to decide whether to approve you for a credit card or loan. A credit score is a three-digit number that's calculated by applying a mathematical algorithm to the information in one of your three credit reports, which are generally updated each month. Your credit report includes all the credit accounts you've opened, as well as your payment history with these accounts.\nCredit scores fall into a range. While there are many different credit-scoring models, the FICO® Score☉ is one of the most commonly used. FICO® scores range between 300 and 850. A score of 700 or above is generally considered good, while a score of 800 or above is considered excellent. Most credit scores, however, fall between 600 and 750. END