
Lesson
FICO® Score A Better Future® | Introduction to Credit
Summary
Credit is other people's cash—borrowed now and paid back later, with interest that quietly adds up. This lesson unpacks the difference between cash and credit, the two major credit types, and how interest rates and payments shape the real cost of borrowing.
Temperature Check
- Students rank themselves on the credit "thermometer" from Novice to Expert.
- Quick pop quiz—no grades, just a temperature check.
Discussion: Cash or Credit?
- Prompt students to name purchases best made with cash vs. credit.
- Surface why someone might hesitate to open a bank account.
Instruction
- Define credit
- Describe how credit is used
- Explain the costs of using credit
Activity: Identify, Apply, Calculate
- Determine cost, interest rate, and monthly payment.
- Set a budget and three possible payment terms.
- Use a payment calculator to calculate repayment.
Wrap-Up & Assessment
- Comprehensive Quiz
| Est. Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 min | Temperature Check |
|
| 10 min | Discussion: Cash or Credit? |
|
| 45 min | Instruction |
|
| 20 min | Activity: Identify, Apply, Calculate |
|
| 10 min | Wrap-Up & Assessment |
|
Lesson Prep

FICO® SABF | Introduction to Credit Student Handout
Student handout to accompany the FICO® SABF Introduction to Credit lesson
Class Presentation
Includes a 61-slide deck with teacher notes. Present from Banzai, download a PDF, or copy it to Google Slides.
Presentations, Ready to Go
- Built-in PresentationPresent full screen, straight from Banzai
- Copy to Google SlidesMake an editable copy for your class
- Download or PrintSave as a PDF or print
- Teacher NotesSlide-by-slide guidance, printable as one handout
FICO® Score A Better Future® Fundamentals

FICO® Score A Better Future® | Introduction to Credit
Credit is other people's cash—borrowed now and paid back later, with interest that quietly adds up. This lesson unpacks the difference between cash and credit, the two major credit types, and how interest rates and payments shape the real cost of borrowing.

FICO® Score A Better Future® | Credit Scores
A credit score isn't a grade for how much money you make—it's a prediction of whether you'll pay back what you borrow. This lesson unpacks credit reports, the three bureaus, and the five factors that drive your FICO® Score.

FICO® Score A Better Future® | Establishing Credit
This FICO lesson provides an accessible starting point for understanding how to establish credit while getting a head start to effective credit management.
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