How important is a good credit score when considering an applicant? Is a good credit score considered an indication of one’s character?

With 51 different Grand Lodges in the USA, and each one having their own investigation criteria, there is no one specific answer to your question. When a man applies to Freemasonry, the lodge will appoint a committee, to investigate his fitness for Freemasonry. Most do not look into the credit score of the applicant. The individual must possess good moral character. The definition of this is pretty much left to the discretion of the lodge (in most cases).  A bankruptcy, or past difficulty in meeting financial obligations, will not in itself prevent a man from being accepted for membership.

If you are considering Freemasonry, I suggest that you discuss any concerns that you have, with the secretary, when you ask for your petition form.

Hi, Paul-

I noticed in your profile you listed Boston as your location.

There are three primary requirements for becoming a Mason in Massachusetts:
1. You are an adult male (18 or older) of good moral character.
2. You are interested in becoming a Mason because you hold a favorable opinion of our institution; and, your decision to apply is based on your own “free will and accord” - no one compelled you to join.
3. You believe in a Supreme Being - no atheist or agnostic can be a Mason - but we are not concerned with how you define or worship your Supreme Being.

As you can see, an applicant’s credit score is not a specific consideration for membership.  Any man not Constitutionally prohibited from membership (e.g., an atheist) who is deemed worthy of Brotherhood by the members of a lodge may be admitted.  Similarly, any man may be rejected.  There is no required uniformity among the lodges in Massachusetts regarding the questions a prospective candidate may be asked, or the evaluation of the responses.

I can assure you that it is not a common practice to consider an applicant’s credit rating. In fact, I have never heard of it being done.
-Robert