You’re More Than a Number: Why Your Credit Score Isn’t the Whole Story

By Abbey Ramsay, VP of Lending

June 2025

We’ve all encountered websites with catchy slogans like: “Your Credit Score: From Blah to Fab!” or “Breathe Life into Your Credit Score.” What does this mean, and why does this number, which varies across different sources, hold so much importance? We’re here to explain and provide some context on why you are more than just your score at UCU.

Your Credit Score

Your credit score is a momentary snapshot used to determine loan pricing, but there’s much more to the story. This score is a compilation of hundreds of data points collected by credit reporting agencies, which are then summarized into a single number. With numerous data points and credit models, your score can differ each time you check it and vary across different sources. With so many variables, it’s challenging to stay ahead of this score.

More than Your Score

At UCU, we recognize that you are more than just a collection of credit data and tradeline history. You are a person and a member with a story and we want to hear it. While we can’t always approve every loan request, we are dedicated to working with our members to help you achieve your goals. Our experienced Loan Originators are trained to explain the factors that make up your score and provide insight into these factors.

We also offer guidance on how you might enhance your credit history. Whether you’re looking to open your first line of credit, purchase your first car, or refinance an auto loan to save on a higher interest rate, we’re here to listen to your story and see how we can help. We see U, so reach out today!

View our Car Buying Toolkit for helpful tools and tips to make car buying a bit easier.