Few financial figures are as important as a credit scores. The three-digit figure has a major impact on daily life — dictating what consumers can buy, how much credit they can obtain and even where they choose to reside.

So, what is a FICO Score? It’s a number that is formulated based on your credit history helping lenders evaluate your credit risk. Your FICO Score is used to determine credit offers and interest rates — and now it’s free for you to view.

If you don’t have an established credit history, or if you do have an established credit history but it has some dings, you may need a co-signer to get approved for a loan or credit card. By co-signing a credit application, the co-signer is agreeing to assume responsibility for the debt should you, the primary borrower, default on your agreement to pay the debt.

Sometimes, people make bad decisions and they end up losing their house, car and credit cards that ruin their credit history.

If your credit history isn’t all that long or spotless, adding a credit account with a long, positive credit history to your report will certainly boost your score but how do you all of a sudden add an old account to your credit report?