A low credit score hurts your ability to get loans, and raises the cost of credit when you can get it. Credit scores are also used for insurance rates, renting and even employment.

A poor credit score can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars over your life. Enter in a FICO score and a Loan Principal below to see how much a poor FICO score can cost you on just your mortgage. If you are a home owner or looking to buy, raising your FICO score is the most important thing for you to do. A better score not only means lower payments, but can mean a bigger house, the chance to take out more money on a re-fi, or even the difference between being able to buy.