You probably know that your credit score is important, but you may be confused about what it is, how it is used, and how it affects you. The most important thing your credit score does is to help banks or financial institutions determine if they should lend you money or extend you credit. Your credit score also is a crucial factor in determining your interest rates for any loans, credit cards, or lines of credit you get.

You have more than one credit score. The most important credit scores are assigned to you by each of the three main credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Even though all three are using primarily the same information, your scores will differ between the three bureaus.

Bills.com has free tips, articles, and videos to help you learn about your credit score and credit reports. Learn how your credit score is determined, how you can improve your credit score, and how to read and understand the information on your credit report.

Read the credit score questions from other Bills.com readers or Ask Bill a credit score question that you have.