Educational Resource · Updated 2026

Credit Glossary

Plain-English definitions of the most important credit terms in the U.S. — from FCRA and credit utilization to collections and disputes. Real-world examples included.

30

Terms defined

6

Categories

Plain

English explanations

También disponible en español: Glosario de Crédito

30 terms found

A number between 300 and 850 that represents your credit history and the likelihood you will repay your debts. The most widely used models are FICO Score and VantageScore. A score of 670+ is considered good, 740+ very good, and 800+ excellent. This number directly affects the interest rates you receive on loans, credit cards, and mortgages.

Real-World Example

With a 580 credit score, you might pay 18% interest on a car loan. With a 720 score, you might pay only 5.9% — saving thousands over the life of the loan.

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Glossary updated April 19, 2026 · Reviewed by Carlos Mendoza, FCRA-Certified Credit Repair Specialist

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