New Delhi, April 30 -- A clean credit profile is important when you apply for a credit card, home loan, mortgage or personal loan in the future; and is possible to build through proper planning.

For first-time customers especially, there may some confusion over whether your spouse's credit history and score impact your own. Here's a look at the scenarios, and what factors you must consider when operating a joint credit account with your spouse.

Credit score is a three-digit number from 300-850 that determines your credit risk to lenders. It is determined by your past financial behaviour and is used by lenders to conclude if you are financially responsible.

Your credit score is not fixed and can be improved upon gradually over a period ...