{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/credit-score","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/credit-score","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"credit-score","term":"Credit Score","group":"People and paperwork","definition":"A numerical rating that reflects your creditworthiness based on your personal credit history. Your personal Credit Score is a critical factor for 7(a) loan eligibility and will be reviewed by all lenders.","what_it_means":"Lenders use your Credit Score (often a FICO score) as an initial indicator of your personal financial responsibility. A strong score is essential for a 7(a) loan, as it demonstrates your ability to manage debt, particularly given the Personal Guarantee requirement. Be aware of any derogatory marks on your Credit Report.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/credit-score","official_sources":[{"slug":"sop-50-10","title":"SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs","official_url":"https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs","official_label":"View on SBA.gov","authority_tier":2,"publisher":"U.S. Small Business Administration","source_guide_url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/sources/sop-50-10"}],"related":[{"slug":"fico-score","term":"FICO score","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/fico-score"},{"slug":"credit-report","term":"Credit report","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/credit-report"},{"slug":"personal-guarantee","term":"Personal guarantee","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/personal-guarantee"},{"slug":"credit-risk","term":"Credit Risk","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/credit-risk"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"What credit score is generally needed for an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-credit-score-is-generally-needed-for-an-sba-7-a-loan"},{"question":"Does the SBA check my personal credit score directly when I apply?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/does-the-sba-check-my-personal-credit-score-directly-when-i-apply"},{"question":"Are there any minimum credit score requirements for SBA 7(a) loan applicants?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/are-there-any-minimum-credit-score-requirements-for-sba-7-a-loan-applicants"},{"question":"Does my personal credit score matter for an SBA 7(a) loan application?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/does-my-personal-credit-score-matter-for-an-sba-7-a-loan-application"},{"question":"Does my personal credit score matter for getting an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/does-my-personal-credit-score-matter-for-getting-an-sba-7-a-loan"},{"question":"What personal credit score do I need for an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/what-personal-credit-score-do-i-need-for-an-sba-7-a-loan"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Credit Score","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/credit-score","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}