What Is A Good Credit Score? | Equifax® (2024)

Highlights:

It’s an age-old question we receive, and to answer it requires that we start with the basics: What is a credit score, anyway?

Generally speaking, a credit score is a three-digit number ranging from 300 to 850. Credit scores are calculated using information in your credit report, including your payment history; the amount of debt you have; and the length of your credit history.

There are many different scoring models, and some use other data in calculating credit scores. Credit scores are used by potential lenders and creditors, such as banks, credit card companies or car dealerships, as one factor when deciding whether to offer you credit, like a loan or credit card. It’s one factor among many to help them determine how likely you are to pay back money they lend.

It's important to remember that everyone's financial and credit situation is different, and there's no "magic number" that may guarantee better loan rates and terms.

Although ranges vary depending on the credit scoring model, generally credit scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair; 670 to 739 are considered good; 740 to 799 are considered very good; and 800 and up are considered excellent. Higher credit scores mean you have demonstrated responsible credit behavior in the past, which may make potential lenders and creditors more confident when evaluating a request for credit.

Lenders generally see those with credit scores 670 and up as acceptable or lower-risk borrowers. Those with credit scores from 580 to 669 are generallyseen as “subprime borrowers,” meaning they may find it more difficult to qualify for better loan terms. Those with lower scores – under 580 – generally fall into the “poor” credit range and may have difficulty getting credit or qualifying for better loan terms.

Different lenders have different criteria when it comes to granting credit, which may include information such as your income or other factors. That means the credit scores they accept may vary depending on that criteria.

Credit scores may differ between the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) as not all creditors and lenders report to all three. Many creditors do report to all three, but you may have an account with a creditor that only reports to one, two or none at all. In addition, there are many different scoring models available, and those scoring models may differ depending on the type of loan and lenders' preference for certain criteria.

What Factors Impact Your Credit Score?

Here are some tried and true behaviors to keep top of mind as you begin to establish – or maintain – responsible credit behaviors:

  • Pay your bills on time, every time. This doesn’t just include credit cards – late or missed payments on other accounts, such as cell phones, may be reported to the credit bureaus, which may impact your credit scores. If you’re having trouble paying a bill, contact the lender immediately. Don’t skip payments, even if you’re disputing a bill.
  • Pay off your debts as quickly as you can.
  • Keep your credit card balance well below the limit. A higher balance compared to your credit limit mayimpact your credit score.
  • Apply for credit sparingly. Applying for multiple credit accounts within a short time period may impact your credit score.
  • Check your credit reports regularly. Request a free copy of your credit report and check it to make sure your personal information is correct and there is no inaccurate or incomplete account information. You’re entitled to a free copy of your credit reports every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. By requesting a copy from one every four months, you can keep an eye on your reports year-round.Remember: checking your own credit report or credit score won'taffect your credit scores.

You can also create a myEquifax account to get six free Equifax credit reports each year. In addition, you can click “Get my free credit score” on your myEquifax dashboard to enroll in Equifax Core Credit™ for a free monthly Equifax credit report and a free monthly VantageScore® 3.0 credit score, based on Equifax data. A VantageScore is one of many types of credit scores.

If you find information you believe is inaccurate or incomplete, contact the lender or creditor. You can also file a dispute with the credit bureau that furnished the report. At Equifax, you can create a myEquifax account to file a dispute. Visit our dispute page to learn other ways you can submit a dispute.

What Is A Good Credit Score? | Equifax® (2024)

FAQs

What Is A Good Credit Score? | Equifax®? ›

670 to 739: Good Credit Score

What is a realistically good credit score? ›

That being said, scores starting in the high 600s and up to the mid-700s (on a scale of 300 to 850) are generally considered to be good.

How common is a 700 credit score? ›

Credit score distribution: How rare is an exceptional 800 to 850 score?
FICO® Score rangePercent within range
600-6499%
650-69912%
700-74917%
750-79924%
4 more rows
May 31, 2023

What credit score is good enough? ›

For a score with a range between 300 and 850, a credit score of 700 or above is generally considered good. A score of 800 or above on the same range is considered to be excellent. Most consumers have credit scores that fall between 600 and 750. In 2023, the average FICO® Score in the U.S. reached 715.

What are the 5 levels of credit scores? ›

What is the highest credit score vs. a good or fair credit score? Credit scores typically range from 300 to 850. Within that range, scores can usually be placed into one of five categories: poor, fair, good, very good and excellent.

Does anyone have a 900 credit score? ›

While older models of credit scores used to go as high as 900, you can no longer achieve a 900 credit score. The highest score you can receive today is 850. Anything above 800 is considered an excellent credit score.

What credit score is needed to buy a house? ›

The minimum credit score needed for most mortgages is typically around 620. However, government-backed mortgages like Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans typically have lower credit requirements than conventional fixed-rate loans and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).

How rare is an 800 credit score? ›

According to a report by FICO, only 23% of the scorable population has a credit score of 800 or above.

What is the average Americans credit score? ›

The average credit score in the United States is 705, based on VantageScore® data from March 2024. It's a myth that you only have one credit score. In fact, you have many credit scores, because there are many different types of credit scores and scoring models. It's a good idea to check your credit scores regularly.

How rare is a 750 credit score? ›

Here's the distribution of FICO credit scores
FICO score range% of U.S. consumers% with lower scores
800-85020.7%79.3%
750-79919%60.3%
700-74917.1%43.2%
650-69913.2%30%
5 more rows
Sep 30, 2017

What is a good credit score by age? ›

How Credit Scores Breakdown by Generation
Average FICO 8 Score by Generation
Generation20222023
Generation Z (ages 18-26)679 - Good680 - Good
Millennials (27-42)687 - Good690 - Good
Generation X (43-58)707 - Good709 - Good
2 more rows

What is a good credit score to buy a car? ›

Most obviously, a good credit score, usually a score of 680 or above, can ensure a low interest rate. Lower monthly payments. The more competitive your interest rate is, the less expensive your monthly vehicle payment will be. Smaller down payment.

What's the difference between my FICO score and my credit score? ›

Is "credit score" the same as "FICO® score"? Basically, "credit score" and "FICO® score" are all referring to the same thing. A FICO® score is a type of credit scoring model. While different reporting agencies may weigh factors slightly differently, they are all essentially measuring the same thing.

How can I boost my credit score fast? ›

What actions you can take to boost your credit scores?
  1. Review your credit reports for errors and dispute any inaccuracies. ...
  2. Keep paying your bills on time. ...
  3. Improve your credit mix. ...
  4. Improve credit utilization. ...
  5. Read more.

What habit lowers your credit score? ›

Not paying your bills on time or using most of your available credit are things that can lower your credit score. Keeping your debt low and making all your minimum payments on time helps raise credit scores. Information can remain on your credit report for seven to 10 years.

Which credit score is most accurate? ›

There is no single credit score that's considered the most accurate. The truth is, there are several types of credit scores available to lenders—and many versions of each of those scores. Scores are calculated based on many of the same factors.

What credit score does the average person have? ›

The average FICO credit score in the US is 717, according to the latest FICO data. The average VantageScore is 701 as of January 2024.

Does anyone have an 850 credit score? ›

How many people have perfect FICO® Scores? Data from April 2023 found that about 1.7% of people who meet the minimum requirements for a FICO® Score had an 850. That's an increase from previous years, but still a small minority of people.

Is a 750 credit score rare? ›

A score of 750 puts you in a strong position. Roughly 48% of Americans had a score of 750 or above as of April 2023, according to credit scoring company FICO. FICO Blog.

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