Credit Word Search and Crossword for Financial Literacy
Did you know 1 in 5 Gen Zers say they know little to nothing about credit scores—and 29% don’t even know if they have one?
(FICO survey, 2023)
I created this credit word search and crossword puzzle set because, honestly, I was once in the same boat. The first time I saw my own credit score was when I went to buy a house! For years, I avoided checking it because I was afraid—what if there was a problem? It felt easier to keep my head in the sand than to tackle potential issues.
I didn’t want my students to feel that way. I wanted them to have the language and confidence to talk about credit, ask questions, and make smart decisions. This no-prep activity makes credit vocabulary feel accessible—not scary—and gets students comfortable with the key terms they’ll encounter in real life.
What’s Inside the Credit Vocabulary Puzzle Set
Start with the credit word search to introduce key terms, then move into two crossword puzzles to reinforce learning (one with a word bank, one without). You can now also project or assign the Google Slides/PowerPoint vocabulary presentation to give students built-in definitions and curated links to short videos, infographics, or helpful articles—perfect for extra support or deeper dives.
Vocabulary Covered:
Collections, credit bureau, credit history, credit monitoring, credit report, credit score, creditworthiness, debt-to-income ratio, delinquency, dispute, Equifax, Experian, FICO score, fraud alert, freeze, hard inquiry, identity theft, soft inquiry, TransUnion, utilization
Ways to Use This Credit Word Search & Crossword Set
⭐ Sub Day Save: Easy, engaging, and print-and-go
⭐ Brain Break with Purpose: Give students a fun but productive pause
⭐ Transition Toolbox: Ideal for students learning independent living skills
⭐ General Ed Go-To: Use in study halls, support classes, or as enrichment
⭐ ELL-Friendly: Great for students who need to build real-world vocabulary
❤️ Why Teachers Love It
No-Prep: Just print and go—great for busy days
Real-Life Relevance: Students learn terms they’ll use as adults
Differentiated: Word bank and no word bank versions meet a variety of needs
More Engagement = Fewer Behavior Issues: Keeps students focused and learning
✏️ What You’ll Get
Credit Word Search – Introduces key terms in a low-stress format
Credit Crossword Puzzle with Word Bank – For learners who need more support
Credit Crossword Puzzle without Word Bank – For students ready to test their knowledge
Credit Terminology Page – Definitions and examples of all terms
Google Slides / PowerPoint Vocabulary Presentation – Includes definitions for each term and helpful links in the speaker notes (videos, infographics, or quick reads for deeper understanding)
Answer Keys – Great for self-checking or easy grading
This resource is also included in: 👉 Credit Cards – Financial Literacy Lesson & Activities for Teens & Adults
🧩 Curious about the science behind word puzzles for older learners? Check out my blog post: 👉 Word Puzzles Boost Vocabulary & Cognitive Skills for Adults
✨ Want more financial literacy puzzles? Browse the full collection here.
