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Credit score in the United States
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<p> A credit score is a number that provides a comparative estimate of an individual's <a href="/facts/Creditworthiness/6jbaLoAR">creditworthiness</a> based on an analysis of their credit report. It is an inexpensive and main alternative to other forms of <a href="/facts/Underwriting/75rr1GD7">consumer loan underwriting</a>. </p><p>Lenders, such as banks and credit card companies, use <a href="/facts/Credit_score/CWRRxmxJ">credit scores</a> to evaluate the risk of lending money to consumers. Lenders contend that widespread use of credit scores has made credit more widely available and less expensive for many consumers. Under the <a href="/facts/Dodd-Frank_Act/be4BX9Hg">Dodd-Frank Act</a> passed in 2010, a consumer is entitled to receive a free report of the specific credit score used if they are denied a <a href="/facts/Loan/bPaAc9HT">loan</a>, <a href="/facts/Credit_card/7pKSB5LD">credit card</a> or <a href="/facts/Insurance/06VP8I3B">insurance</a> due to their credit score. </p>