Skip to main content

What Is Credit

Get Credit Counseling

The National Foundation of Credit Counseling is committed to helping you navigate your financial journey. 

Online Courses

Discover online courses to help understand financial principles to empower your finances. 

Credit Reports

Your credit report is important to understanding your financial status. Learn more about your credit report, how to get an annual credit report, what to expect, and more. 


 

What is Credit?

Credit is your financial reputation—it represents your ability to borrow money and repay it over time. Lenders, landlords, and even employers may review your credit history to assess your reliability. Having good credit can open doors to better loan rates, housing opportunities, and financial freedom.

Your credit is determined by several key factors, including:

  • Payment History – Making on-time payments helps build a strong credit score, while missed or late payments can negatively impact it.
  • Credit Utilization – Using a low percentage of your available credit shows responsible credit management. 
  • Length of Credit History – A longer credit history can positively impact your score, showing lenders a track record of responsible borrowing.
  • Types of Credit – A mix of credit types, such as credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages, can demonstrate your ability to manage different forms of debt.
  • New Credit Inquiries – Applying for multiple credit accounts in a short period may lower your score temporarily, so it's best to apply strategically.

Building and maintaining good credit takes time, but responsible habits can help you achieve financial success.

 

 

My Credit Manager

Manage Your Credit Through Online and Mobile Banking

Understanding and monitoring your credit score is key to maintaining financial health.

With My Credit Manager, available in our online and mobile banking, you can easily track your credit score, review insights, what impacts your score, set up credit alerts and more—all without impacting your score. Stay in control of your financial future with real-time updates and personalized recommendations.

My credit Manager

 

 

Credit Glossary

  • Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

    The yearly interest rate charged on a loan or credit card balance, expressed as a percentage.

  • Balance

    The amount of money owed on a credit account, such as a loan or credit card.

  • Credit Bureau

    A company that collects and maintains credit information, such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

  • Credit History

    A record of a person’s borrowing and repayment activity, used by lenders to assess creditworthiness.

  • Credit Limit

    The maximum amount a lender allows a borrower to charge on a credit card or line of credit.

  • Credit Report

    A detailed record of an individual's credit history, including accounts, balances, payment history, and inquiries.

  • Credit Score

    A numerical representation of a person's creditworthiness, based on their credit history, ranging from 300 to 850.

  • Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

    A percentage that compares a person’s monthly debt payments to their gross monthly income, used by lenders to assess financial stability.

  • Hard Inquiry (Hard Pull)

    A credit check performed by a lender when a person applies for a loan or credit card, which may slightly lower their credit score.

  • Installment Loan

    A loan repaid in fixed amounts over time, such as a mortgage, car loan, or student loan.

  • Late Payment

    A payment made after the due date, which may result in fees and negatively affect credit scores.

  • Minimum Payment

    The smallest amount a borrower must pay on a credit card each month to avoid penalties.

  • Revolving Credit

    A type of credit that allows borrowing up to a set limit and repaying over time, like a credit card or line of credit.

  • Secured Credit Card

    A credit card backed by a cash deposit, often used to build or rebuild credit.

  • Soft Inquiry (Soft Pull)

    A credit check that does not impact credit scores, often done for pre-approvals or personal credit monitoring.

  • Utilization Rate

    The percentage of available credit that a person is using; lower utilization typically leads to a better credit score.