How much does credit score effect loan interest rates?

[Andrew]

How much does credit score effect loan interest rates? From what I've researched it can be crucial. If you have great credit you can get a great rate and the opposite is true. Should someone focus on building credit first and foremost before getting a large loan such as a mortgage?

[Derrick]

credit score will greatly effect the loan rate that you can get. Qualifying for a low interest rate loan is easier if you have great credit history and credit score. Yes I think credit score is the main thing a loan officer will look at when lending to you.