Credit score: you pay the credit agencies for it, or you go to a bank and apply for a loan, and ask nicely for them to tell you your score

Paying off debt: sounds like a good plan, though you should check for hidden fees. i.e. my Chase business card offers a similar dealio, but charges 2-3% up front for the "0%" advances and transfers. (2-3% isn't bad, but check the number before committing.)