A credit score is a numerical representation of an individual's creditworthiness or their likelihood to repay a loan or credit card debt. Credit scores are based on an individual's credit history and are used by lenders, landlords, and other organizations to assess the risk of lending money or extending credit to an individual.

In the UK, credit scores are typically calculated using information from credit reference agencies, such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Credit reference agencies collect and maintain information on an individual's credit accounts, including credit card accounts, loans, and mortgages. This information is used to calculate an individual's credit score, which is typically represented by a three-digit number.

A high credit score indicates that an individual has a good credit history and is considered to be a low-risk borrower, while a low credit score indicates that an individual may be considered to be a high-risk borrower. It is important for individuals to understand their credit score and to maintain a good credit history in order to access credit and financial products on favourable terms.