When an individual gets into a serious accident or incurs a large sum of medical bills from an illness, it can be hard to repay the debts before the hospital turns the debts over to a collection agency. Once the debts are at a collection agency, they are placed as line items on that individual’s credit report.

A credit bureau is an information clearinghouse that compiles information on consumers. The credit grantors, or lenders, report consumer payment history to the credit bureaus. The credit bureaus then compile that information together with information on tax liens, bankruptcies, and court judgments that is available in public records. In return, when consumers apply for credit, lenders can check credit reports to determine the creditworthiness of consumers.

Following the lead of Discover, Barclay’s and Citibank, Chase Bank will begin offering some of its customers their free FICO Score. This access will help consumers determine where they stand before they apply for credit, apartments, cell phones and more. Here’s what you need to know about FICO Scores and how to access them for free.