What’s a credit score and why is it important Your credit score is a number that tells a story of who you are as a customer. The good news is that understanding how it works and monitoring it can help you take control of the story over time. Credit scores are determined by agencies called credit bureaus and are based on your accounts you have opened, and how and when you pay down debt. When you apply for credit, lenders check your credit score, credit report, credit history and other items to decide whether they will approve your request, and