: A higher score typically qualifies you for lower interest rates on mortgages, auto loans, and insurance.

While different lenders have different standards, here is a general guide to credit score ranges: : Excellent/Super-prime 660–719 : Good/Prime 620–659 : Fair/Near-prime Below 620 : Poor/Subprime

: Many major banks and credit card companies, such as Chase or Wells Fargo , offer free FICO or VantageScore monitoring to their customers.