A credit score is a numerical representation of a person's creditworthiness, typically ranging from 300 to 850. It is calculated based on factors such as payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit accounts, and recent credit inquiries. A higher score indicates better creditworthiness, making it easier to obtain loans and favorable interest rates. Lenders, such as banks and credit card companies, use credit scores to assess the risk of lending money. Individuals can check their scores through various services, and improving a score often involves paying bills on time, reducing debt, and avoiding excessive credit inquiries.