What Is a Good Credit Score? The Best Way to Get One

A good FICO score range is between 670 and 739.

Other scoring models—such as TransUnion—rank 720–780 as “good,” while for Vantage Score it falls between 601 and 660.

The FICO score is one of the most popular credit scoring models in the US and is used by 90% of top lenders to help make credit decisions.

Here’s a breakdown of the FICO score range:

• 800–850: Exceptional

• 740–799: Very Good

• 670–739: Good

• 580–669: Fair

• 300–579: Poor

And now for the other scoring models—

A TransUnion score range between 720 and 780 is ranked as “good.”

With the TransUnion rankings, if you drop below 660, you’re heading toward the less desirable territory.

Here are the TransUnion score ranges:

• 781–850: Excellent

• 720–780: Good

• 658–719: Fair

• 601–657: Poor

• 300–600: Very Poor

TransUnion is one of three main credit bureaus, along with Equifax and Experian.

These bureaus are the kings of credit and are responsible for collecting and maintaining information about consumer credit history, used to calculate credit scores.

VantageScore is a credit scoring model developed by the three major credit bureaus, including Equifax.

A good VantageScore range is between 601 and 660.

Keep in mind, though, that different lenders may have different criteria for what they consider a good score.

Let’s break down the Equifax score range:

• 781–850: Excellent

• 661–780: Very Good

• 601–660: Good

• 500–600: Fair

• 300–499: Poor

Short answer—there’s no one-size-fits-all.

Now for the (slightly) longer answer—

Each credit score has its own unique algorithm for calculating creditworthiness. One score might be more accurate than another, depending on the lender or financial institution you’re working with.

The FICO score generally rules the roost when it comes to widely used and trusted credit scoring models.

That being said, lenders and financial institutions can use multiple models to check out your creditworthiness.

So, while there’s no single “most accurate” credit score, it’s still a good idea to monitor all of your scores and reports so you can take steps to improve your credit.

Your credit score is the number that can make or break your financial dreams.

Here’s what can impact it:

• Payment history: Your payment history makes up 35% of your credit score, so you’ll have to pay on time if you want to boost your score. Any loan defaults (or late or missed payments) can negatively impact your score.

• Credit utilization: Using a high percentage of your available credit can show lenders that you’re struggling to manage your finances. Keep your utilization lower than 30% to keep your credit score high.

• Length of credit history: The longer you’ve had credit accounts, the better your score will be (as it shows you have a history of responsibly managing credit). But if you’re just starting to build credit, don’t worry—good credit habits can help you establish a positive credit history over time.

• Types of credit: Having a mix of credit types tells lenders that you can successfully juggle and manage different types of credit. This can include credit cards, installment loans, and mortgages.

• Credit inquiries: When you apply for credit, the lender can request a copy of your credit report (known as a credit inquiry). Too many credit inquiries can cause your credit score to take a hit and signal to lenders that you’re having financial issues. Try to space out your applications and only apply when you absolutely have to.

  Think of it this way:

  • Your credit score is like a delicate flower—take care of it, and it’ll bloom beautifully. Neglect it, and it’ll wither away like an abandoned houseplant.

A bad credit score is typically anything below 500 on the FICO credit score scale.

If you slip into that category, it can be tricky to get approved for credit or loans. (And if you do get approved, you might be hit with higher interest rates.)

But is the dreaded bad credit score really all doom and gloom?

No need to panic. There are plenty of ways you can improve your score, like paying your bills on time, repaying debt, and avoiding new credit accounts.

A fair credit score range is between 580 and 669 on the FICO credit score scale.

While it’s not a bad score, it’s not really anything to celebrate either.

With a fair credit score, you could still get approved for credit or loans, but you might have to pay higher interest rates or accept less favorable terms.

Let’s say you’re applying for a mortgage with a fair credit score. You may get the seal of approval, but you could end up paying higher interest rates than someone with a better score. And the difference shows as the interest that could build up to thousands over time.

But your credit score is just one piece of the puzzle in your overall financial health. By working to improve your score and practicing good credit habits, you can put yourself on the path to better opportunities.

A good credit score range is between 670 and 739 on the FICO credit score scale—a solid, comfortable place to be.

With a good credit score, you’re more likely to get approved for credit or loans with lower interest rates and better terms.

For example, if you’re applying for a credit card with a good score, you could land a higher credit limit and a lower interest rate.

But having a good credit score doesn’t mean you have to slam the breaks on working to improve it—aiming for an excellent score can open up even more financial opportunities.

An excellent credit score range is anything above 800 on the FICO credit score scale.

With a top-notch credit score, you’re more likely to get approved for credit or loans with the best terms and interest rates out there.

Having an excellent credit score can also give you peace of mind and financial security, knowing that you have a strong credit history and financial record.

But don’t start slacking now that you’ve achieved your A*. Keep striving to maintain and improve your credit habits to ensure a solid financial future.

The average score in America was 714 in 2022, according to Experian.

Here’s how average credit scores have been steadily rising in recent years:

• 2021: 714

• 2020: 711

• 2019: 703

• 2018: 107

• 2017: 699

Credit scores can bounce around depending on your age and financial background—something to bear in mind before you start comparing your score to others.

Ready for your credit score debut? When you’re starting out, it’s possible to have no score at all (known as having a thin or limited credit file).

You can start building your credit from scratch by opening a credit card or taking out a small loan (if needed).

But if you’ve ever had a credit account in your name (like a student loan or a credit card) you might already have a credit score—even if you’ve never checked it.

If you’re just starting out on your credit journey, take it easy—everyone has to start somewhere. By opening accounts responsibly and practicing good credit habits, you can build a solid credit history over time and achieve your financial goals.

The average credit score for 18–25-year-olds has been 679 for the last couple of years, according to Experian.

Getting a good credit score at a young age can set you up for a strong financial future, giving you the keys to credit and loans with acceptable terms and interest rates.

But building a good credit score takes time and effort—it’s not something that magically appears overnight.

To start your credit-building journey, try opening a credit cardor taking out a student loan. Just be sure to pay everything back on time and keep your credit utilization below 30%.

If you’re 20 years old and credit score curious, try to aim for the range of 670 to 739 on the FICO credit score scale.

Think it’s too early to be pondering credit scores?

Having a good credit score at a young age can set you up for financial success and open up more opportunities for better credit cards and loans.

Building and practicing good financial habits early on will also help you build a strong credit history for years to come.

A good score to aim for is typically in the range of 670 and upwards on the FICO credit score scale.

Experian says those aged 26 to 41 had an average credit score of 687 in 2022 (686 in 2021).

By now, you may have reached the stage in life where you’re looking to buy your first home or a car—with a good credit score, you’ll have an easier time qualifying for mortgage or auto loans with decent interest rates.

Research found that the average credit score for someone aged 42 to 57 was around 706—so aiming for a score of 700 or higher can set you up comfortably.

Thinking about retirement or preparing your future finances? A high credit score can help you land that mortgage in sunny Florida or make it easier to get loans if unexpected expenses come your way.

And if retirement is creeping up, consider working with a financial advisor to work out a plan that takes into account your current financial situation, future goals, and potential risks.

Having a credit score of 650 isn’t necessarily bad—but it also isn’t something to brag about.

A credit score of 650 falls in the “fair” range on the FICO credit score scale—so you can still get your hands on decent credit cards, but you might not get the best deals.

Absolutely—a credit score of 750 falls in the “excellent” range on the FICO scale.

This means you’re likely to qualify for credit and loans with better terms and interest rates available.

First of all, big congrats if you’ve managed to reach the top of the credit score ladder.

A credit score of 800 falls in the highest range of the FICO scale, meaning you’ve bagged yourself an excellent credit history.

It’s like being part of an exclusive credit club with all the perks thrown in—if you’re applying for a credit card, you’re much more likely to be approved with the best rewards and benefits (like cashback and travel points).

So, if you have an excellent credit score, kudos to you—keep up the good work by practicing good credit habits like paying your bills on time and keeping your credit utilization low.

A score of 850 is the highest possible score you can achieve on the FICO credit score scale.

While having a perfect credit score might seem out of reach, keep in mind that any score in the “good” or “excellent” range is usually enough to give you access to solid rates and credit deals.

One of the most important things you can do to improve your credit score is to pay your bills on time every time.

Late payments, missed payments, and defaults can all have a huge negative impact on your score, so don’t skip a beat in paying all your bills, loans, and credit cards every month.

Striving for perfection sounds like a nice dream—but truthfully, it’s not so realistic for everyone. Like any goal, it takes a great deal of time and patience.

But while achieving a perfect credit score is no easy path, by practicing these good credit habits, you can work towards getting as close to that A* score as possible.

Ultimately, the best way to check your credit score is the one that works best for you.

Whether you prefer a free credit score service, checking your credit card statement, or requesting a credit report, keeping tabs on your credit score regularly is an important part of maintaining good credit health.

By doing so, you can also make sure there are no errors or fraudulent activity on your credit report, and work to improve your score over time by practicing good credit habits.