Which number indicates to lenders an individual’s ability to repay a loan?

The credit score is a crucial numerical representation that lenders use to assess an individual's creditworthiness, which directly correlates to their ability to repay a loan. This score is derived from various factors, including payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit accounts, and any recent credit inquiries. A higher credit score typically indicates that the individual has a strong history of managing credit responsibly, making them a more attractive candidate for loans. Lenders often rely on this score to make decisions regarding loan approval, interest rates, and terms, as it reflects the likelihood that the borrower will repay the borrowed funds on time.

In contrast, the other options do not serve the same function: a debit score does not exist in financial terminology, while the interest rate represents the cost of borrowing rather than the borrower's ability to repay. The loan amount simply indicates how much money is being borrowed without providing information about the borrower’s credit behavior or repayment capability.