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Credit Repair Basics

What Is a Credit Score and Why It Matters

Learn what a credit score is, how it's calculated, and why it impacts every financial decision you make. Step-by-step guide from Credit Booster credit spec

By Credit Booster TeamPublished April 10, 2026Updated April 11, 2026

What Is a Credit Score?

A credit score is a three-digit number (typically 300 - 850) that represents your creditworthiness. Lenders, landlords, and even employers use this number to assess financial risk.

How Credit Scores Are Calculated

Your credit score is based on five key factors:

  • Payment History (35%), Have you paid bills on time? Late payments, collections, and bankruptcies hurt this factor most.
  • Credit Utilization (30%), How much of your available credit are you using? Keep this below 30%, ideally under 10%.
  • Length of Credit History (15%), Older accounts help your score. Don't close your oldest credit card.
  • Credit Mix (10%), Having different types of credit (cards, loans, mortgage) shows you can manage various debts.
  • New Credit Inquiries (10%), Too many applications in a short period signal risk.
  • Why Your Score Matters for Business Owners

    As a small business owner, your personal credit score directly impacts:

  • Business loan approvals, Most lenders check personal credit for businesses under 2 years old
  • Interest rates, A 100-point difference can mean thousands in extra interest
  • Vendor terms, Suppliers may offer net-30 or net-60 terms based on your personal score
  • Commercial leases, Landlords check owner credit for business space
  • Score Ranges

    RangeRatingWhat It Means
    800 - 850ExceptionalBest rates, instant approvals
    740 - 799Very GoodExcellent rates, easy approvals
    670 - 739GoodStandard rates, most approvals
    580 - 669FairHigher rates, some denials
    300 - 579PoorLimited options, high rates
    Pro Tip: If your score is below 670, CreditBooster's $1 scan can identify exactly which negative items are dragging it down and create a removal roadmap.

    AK

    Written by

    Alexander Katsman

    Founder, Credit Booster & Credit Booster AI

    Alexander Katsman has spent more than 15 years in credit and finance, helping thousands of people and small business owners dispute inaccurate reporting, rebuild their scores, and get approved for funding they were once denied. His latest project, Credit Booster AI, puts that entire toolkit in everyone's hands, using AI to make fixing, building, and funding your credit accessible to all.

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