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Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services, credit, and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.
In this article
- What is a credit score?
- What is a good credit score?
- Average credit score by age
- Factors that affect credit scores
- Why is a good credit score important?
- How can you improve your credit score?
- Chime is here to help you build your credit
- Take responsibility for your credit score
An important aspect of your financial life in your 20s is building a good credit score. Learn more about good and bad credit scores and what to look out for.
Melanie Lockert • November 4, 2022
When you’re in your 20s, you’re just beginning your financial life.
This may mean getting your first big paycheck, applying for a new credit card, and managing your checking and savings accounts. Yet, another important aspect of your financial life in your 20s is building your credit and establishing a good credit score.
Your question now may be: What is a good credit score and why is this important? Read on to learn how a good credit score can help you when you’re in your 20s.
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What is a credit score?
A credit score is a three-digit number that represents how creditworthy you are. In other words, this number tells lenders how likely you are to repay your loans and if you’re a responsible borrower.
There are many different types of credit scores but the most popular is the FICO credit score.The FICO®credit score rangeis from 300-850.The lower the score, the worse your credit is. If your credit score is high, your credit is in good shape.
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What is a good credit score?
Now that we’ve reviewed credit score basics, your next question may be: What constitutes a good credit score? According to credit bureauExperian, a good credit score is 700 or above.
But if you’re in your 20s and just starting out, a score of 700 or higher may be tough as you’re just establishing your credit history. In fact, according toCredit Karma, the average credit score for 18-24 year-olds is 630 and the average credit score for 25-30 year-olds is 628.
FICO has different categorizations for credit scores anda 630 is deemed as “fair”. A “good” credit score based on FICO’s criteria is 670-739, a “very good” score is 740-799 and an “exceptional” score is 800-850.
So, given the fact that the average credit score for people in their 20s is 630 and a “good” credit score is typically around 700, it’s safe to say a good credit score in your 20s is in the high 600s or low 700s.
Keep in mind that when you’re in your 20s, you’re still establishing your credit history and your credit score takes into account the length of your credit history. Only time can help that part, so if you maintain good financial habits, the hope is that your score will elevate as you get older.
Average credit score by age
Your credit scores can differ drastically by age and the stage of life you’re in. Many factors such as your credit history and experience with credit will determine what your average credit score should be.
In general, when you’re in your 20s your credit score will be on the lower end because you’re just starting out. In your 30s your credit should start seeing some upward movement as you’ve now had more time to build upon the credit you opened in your 20s. After your 30s your credit should continue to rise.
According to Experian, the average credit score by age in 2021 was:
- Age 76+: 760
- Age 57-75: 740
- Age 41-56: 705
- Age 25-40: 686
- Age 18-24: 679
Factors that affect credit scores
While age is not a factor in calculating your credit score, length of credit history is. The longer you have a line of credit open, the better it is for your credit score (just as long as you made on-time payments).
The five main factors that help to determine a person’s FICO credit score include:
- 35% of your score is based on payment history
- 30% is based on your amounts owed
- 15% is based on the length of your credit history
- 10% is based on inquiries for new credit
- 10% is based on the types of credit you’re using (i.e. loans and credit cards)
Why is a good credit score important?
Let’s be real, your credit score can seem pretty arbitrary. But it’s nonetheless important when it comes to getting your first apartment or applying for your first credit card.
Why is this? Because your credit score can make or break whether you get approved for an apartment. It can also determine whether you get approved or denied for a credit card. It can even affect the interest rate you get. This is crucial to understand because, if you take out a loan, interest can cost you a lot of money over time. Even the difference between a few percentage points can potentiallycost you hundreds or thousands of dollarsin interest.
So, having a good credit score canhelp you save money,and help you get better interest rates.
How can you improve your credit score?
What if you don’t have a good credit score quite yet? Or, perhaps you want to maintain your good credit and keep it in good standing?
There are a few simple rules to live by to boost your credit. Take a look:
- The most important rule is to make all your payments on time. Your payment history determines35 percent of your credit score, so it has the biggest impact.
- The second rule of thumb is to make sureyour credit utilizationmakes up30 percent of your score– or less. Your credit utilization is how much of your total credit you use. Maxing out your cards each month can signal the alarms for lenders and make you look like a risk.
- Lastly, try not to open too many new lines of credit. Doing so in a short period of time can look risky to lenders and lower your credit score.
Chime is here to help you build your credit
Another great way to build your credit is withChime’s Credit Builder Credit Card.Chime’s Credit Builder is a no fee, 0% APR secured credit card that helps you build your credit. Each month, Chime reports payments to themajor credit bureaus so everyday purchases like gas, groceries, bills, and subscriptions can all count towards your credit score. There are no fees, no credit check, and no minimum security deposit required to apply!
Take responsibility for your credit score
As you can see, taking action and being responsible in your 20s can help you build your credit over time. So, refer back to this guide and start improving your credit score now. And, just think: This will help you land that apartment, buy a new car, or get your firstrewards credit card.
Are you ready to improve your credit score in your 20s and start adulting?
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Melanie Lockert is the founder of the blog and author of the book, Dear Debt. Her work has appeared on Business Insider, Time, Huffington Post and more. She is also the co-founder of the Lola Retreat, which helps bold women face their fears, own their dreams and figure out a plan to be in control of their finances.
This page is for informational purposes only. Chime does not provide financial, legal, or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for financial, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own financial, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
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As a financial expert with a deep understanding of credit and banking, I've delved into the intricacies of credit scores, their significance, and ways to navigate the financial landscape effectively. Now, let's break down the key concepts presented in the article you shared:
Concepts Covered in the Article:
1. Credit Score Basics:
- Definition: A credit score is a three-digit number indicating creditworthiness, representing the likelihood of repaying loans responsibly.
- Popular Score Model: The article mentions the FICO credit score, with a range from 300 to 850.
- Interpretation: Higher scores imply better credit, while lower scores indicate poorer credit.
2. What Constitutes a Good Credit Score:
- Thresholds: According to Experian, a good credit score is generally considered to be 700 or above.
- Reality for 20-Somethings: Given the early stage of credit history for individuals in their 20s, an average score of 630 is reported for 18-24 year-olds.
3. Average Credit Score by Age:
- Age-Related Variation: Credit scores vary by age, with averages increasing as individuals age.
- Statistics (2021):
- 18-24: 679
- 25-40: 686
- 41-56: 705
- 57-75: 740
- 76+: 760
4. Factors Affecting Credit Scores:
- Length of Credit History: While age itself isn't a factor, the length of credit history is crucial for a higher credit score.
- FICO Factors:
- Payment history (35%)
- Amounts owed (30%)
- Length of credit history (15%)
- New credit inquiries (10%)
- Types of credit used (10%)
5. Importance of a Good Credit Score:
- Real-World Impact:
- Apartment Approval
- Credit Card Approval
- Interest Rates on Loans
- Financial Implications: A good credit score can save money and result in better interest rates.
6. Improving Your Credit Score:
- Key Rules:
- Timely Payments (35% impact on credit score)
- Manage Credit Utilization (30% impact)
- Avoid Opening Too Many New Lines of Credit
7. Chime's Credit Builder Credit Card:
- Offer: Chime offers a Credit Builder Credit Card as a tool to build credit.
- Features:
- No fees
- 0% APR
- Reports payments to major credit bureaus
- No credit check
- No minimum security deposit required
8. Taking Responsibility for Your Credit Score:
- Actionable Steps: The article encourages readers to take action, be responsible, and highlights that positive financial habits in your 20s can lead to improved credit scores over time.
By understanding these concepts, individuals can navigate the complexities of credit management, make informed financial decisions, and work towards building a strong credit history.
