By the time I hit my late 20s, I realized something: I’d been treating my credit score like a vague adulting concept I’d "worry about later." You know—right after I stopped ghosting my student loan dashboard and learned to cook something other than eggs. But then, I applied for my first mortgage. And let me tell you: nothing humbles you faster than watching a bank pull your credit while you wait, smiling, and hoping your financial past is friendlier than your teenage MySpace profile.
The truth is, your credit score isn’t just some obscure number buried in your financial file—it’s a seriously underrated tool that can unlock (or block) opportunities in your life. From interest rates to renting an apartment to getting approved for a new phone plan, your credit score plays a bigger role than most people realize.
So today, I’m walking you through seven ways your credit score can work for you—if you know how to use it right.
When lenders check your credit, they’re basically asking: How risky is it to lend to you? A high score tells them you’re likely to pay on time, so they’re more likely to offer you a lower interest rate. That means less money going toward interest, and more staying in your pocket.
John Ulzheimer, a well-known credit expert, says a 760 credit score will typically get you the lowest mortgage rate available. When it comes to car loans, a 720 score is usually enough to score the best rate.
Let me let you in on a little secret: your credit score gives you bargaining power. I used to assume you couldn’t negotiate with banks or credit card companies. (Spoiler: You can.) If your score is solid, you’ve got leverage. You can call and ask for:
And most importantly: you can shop around for financial products with confidence. A strong credit profile puts you in the driver’s seat.
If you’ve got good credit and a strong on-time payment history, many banks are willing to adjust your APR. But you have to ask—politely, and with facts.
Here’s the part no one told me in college: landlords check your credit, too.
A good credit score doesn’t just help you buy a home—it can help you rent one.* In competitive housing markets, having a strong credit score could be the thing that pushes your rental application to the top of the pile.
Landlords see your credit as a measure of reliability. They want to know:
Some might even waive security deposits or offer better lease terms if your score is solid.
No, your employer doesn’t see your exact credit score. But in certain industries (especially finance, government, and jobs where you’ll handle money or sensitive data), employers may pull your credit report as part of a background check.
They’re not looking for perfection. What they’re trying to spot is:
The logic (right or wrong) is that financial stability reflects reliability. So if you’re job-hunting in a field where trustworthiness is key, a clean report can give you an edge.
If you know an employer is going to pull your credit, request a free copy first (you’re entitled to one every 12 months at AnnualCreditReport.com). That way, you won’t be surprised by what they see.
You’ve probably seen those premium travel rewards cards with giant signup bonuses and sleek metal designs that sound more like a status symbol than a payment method. Well, guess what? They’re not just for show—they’re for people with excellent credit.
A strong score opens the door to credit cards that offer:
And these perks can actually save you money—if you use them responsibly and pay off your balance each month.
Not all credit cards are created equal. With a score over 720, you’ll likely qualify for the most competitive rewards cards. Just don’t apply for too many at once—it could ding your score with multiple hard inquiries.
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention: financial confidence.
Improving your credit score isn’t just about numbers—it’s about what those numbers represent. When you know where you stand, you feel more empowered to:
I’ve personally found that building my credit helped me feel more in control. It’s like watching your financial “muscles” get stronger—it’s subtle, but you carry yourself differently when you know your money is working for you, not against you.
Life throws curveballs. That’s not pessimism—it’s just reality. And when those moments hit—sudden moves, medical bills, emergencies—you want to be prepared. A high credit score means:
Even if you’re not planning to use credit often, having a solid score gives you options. And in money matters, options are everything.
So think of your credit like a parachute: hopefully you won’t need it often, but you’ll be very glad it’s there when you do.
Your credit score isn’t something to tiptoe around like it’s judging you for your past decisions. It’s not a final grade—it’s a moving number. And the more you understand how it works, the more power you have to direct your financial story.
So if you’re still feeling intimidated? Don’t be. You’ve got tools, resources, and more financial smarts than you probably give yourself credit for (pun fully intended).
Now go out there and make that score work for you.
