What does a credit score indicate to a lender?

A credit score serves as a numerical reflection of a consumer's creditworthiness and reliability in repaying borrowed money. Lenders use this score to assess the risk associated with lending to an individual. A high credit score suggests that the consumer is likely to repay loans responsibly and on time, demonstrating a history of managing credit effectively. Conversely, a lower credit score may indicate higher risk, as it may reflect missed payments or a heavier debt burden.

While the other options provide important financial information, they do not capture the specific purpose of a credit score. The amount of debt a consumer has can influence the score but does not directly define its meaning. The value of a consumer's assets and their income level are relevant factors in the overall financial picture but do not pertain to the primary function of the credit score. Thus, the best interpretation of what a credit score indicates to a lender is the likelihood that the consumer will repay a loan.