Lenders use a risk-based pricing model that dictates the interest rates an individual is charged on a loan. Good credit means lower interest rates and little to $0 down payments. It also means no security deposits on things like utilities.

Your borrowing capacity is based on your income and your credit score. One of the benefits of having a good credit score is that banks are willing to let you borrow more money because you've demonstrated that you pay back what you borrow on time.

Insurance companies use information from your credit report and insurance history to develop your insurance risk score, so they often penalize people who have low credit scores with higher insurance premiums.

More landlords are using credit scores as part of their tenant screening process. A bad credit score, especially if it's caused by a previous eviction or outstanding rental balance, can severely damage your chances of getting into an apartment. A good credit score saves you the time and hassle of finding a landlord that will approve renters with damaged credit.

A good credit score gives you leverage to negotiate a lower interest rate on a credit card or a new loan. If you need more bargaining power, you can take advantage of other attractive offers that you've received from other companies based on your credit score. However, if you have a low credit score, creditors are unlikely to budge on loan terms, and you won't have other credit offers or options.