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

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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®? ›

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.

What is a decent average credit score? ›

740 to 799: very good. 670 to 739: good. 580 to 669: fair. 579 and below: poor.

Is 740 an okay credit score? ›

Your FICO® Score falls within a range, from 740 to 799, that may be considered Very Good. A 740 FICO® Score is above the average credit score. Borrowers with scores in the Very Good range typically qualify for lenders' better interest rates and product offers.

Is 700 credit good enough? ›

Your score falls within the range of scores, from 670 to 739, which are considered Good. The average U.S. FICO® Score, 714, falls within the Good range.

Can u get a 900 credit score? ›

A 900 credit score may be the highest on some scoring models, but this number isn't always possible. Only 1% of the population can achieve a credit score of 850, so there's a certain point where trying to get the highest possible credit score isn't realistic at all.

How accurate is credit karma? ›

Here's the short answer: The credit scores and reports you see on Credit Karma come directly from TransUnion and Equifax, two of the three major consumer credit bureaus. The credit scores and reports you see on Credit Karma should accurately reflect your credit information as reported by those bureaus.

What credit score is good for buying a car? ›

Here's a quick look at how a good credit score can benefit you when you're buying a car. Lower interest rates. A good credit score — typically a score of 680 or higher — can help you secure a low interest rate from the dealer. In fact, taking your score from 600 to 780 could halve your rate.

How long does it take to go from 740 to 800 credit score? ›

Depending on where you're starting from, It can take several years or more to build an 800 credit score. You need to have a few years of only positive payment history and a good mix of credit accounts showing you have experience managing different types of credit cards and loans.

How to get credit score from 750 to 800? ›

4 key factors of an excellent credit score
  1. On-time payments. The best way to get your credit score over 800 comes down to paying your bills on time every month, even if it is making the minimum payment due. ...
  2. Amounts owed. ...
  3. Credit history. ...
  4. Types of accounts and credit activity.
Jan 19, 2023

How to get a 850 credit score? ›

I achieved a perfect 850 credit score, says finance coach: How I got there in 5 steps
  1. Pay all your bills on time. One of the easiest ways to boost your credit is to simply never miss a payment. ...
  2. Avoid excessive credit inquiries. ...
  3. Minimize how much debt you carry. ...
  4. Have a long credit history. ...
  5. Have a good mix of credit.
Oct 13, 2022

What credit score do you need to buy a 50k car? ›

Some lenders use specialized credit scores, such as a FICO Auto Score. In general, you'll need at least prime credit, meaning a credit score of 661 or up, to get a loan at a good interest rate. If you have poorer credit, you can still get a loan, but you will probably have to pay more for it or else find a co-signer.

What raises credit score? ›

Factors that contribute to a higher credit score include a history of on-time payments, low balances on your credit cards, a mix of different credit card and loan accounts, older credit accounts, and minimal inquiries for new credit.

How to go from 700 to 850 credit score? ›

Still, if a perfect credit score is your goal, you may want to consider these expert credit tips compiled from credit score perfectionists:
  1. Pay your credit card bills often. ...
  2. Keep a solid payment history. ...
  3. Consider your credit mix. ...
  4. Increase your credit limit. ...
  5. Don't close old accounts. ...
  6. Regularly monitor your credit report.

Is 977 a good credit score? ›

We provide a score from between 0-999 and consider a 'good' score to be anywhere between 881 and 960, with 'fair' or average between 721 and 880.

Has anyone got a credit score of 1000? ›

A credit score of 1,000 is not possible because credit scoring models simply do not go that high. According to Experian, some credit scoring models reach upwards of 900 or 950, but those are industry-specific scores that are only used by certain institutions.

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.

Can I get a car loan with a 663 credit score? ›

Can I get an auto loan with an 663 credit score? The short answer is yes, but you're likely to get a significantly higher-than-average interest rate. To put it into perspective, as of November 2022, the typical borrower with prime credit (720 or higher FICO score) got an APR of 5.34% on a 60-month new auto loan.

Which credit score is most important? ›

FICO scores are generally known to be the most widely used by lenders. But the credit-scoring model used may vary by lender. While FICO Score 8 is the most common, mortgage lenders might use FICO Score 2, 4 or 5. Auto lenders often use one of the FICO Auto Scores.

Why is Credit Karma scores so off? ›

This is mainly because of two reasons: For one, lenders may pull your credit from different credit bureaus, whether it is Experian, Equifax or TransUnion. Your score can then differ based on what bureau your credit report is pulled from since they don't all receive the same information about your credit accounts.

What FICO score do you need to buy a house? ›

It's recommended you have a credit score of 620 or higher when you apply for a conventional loan. If your score is below 620, lenders either won't be able to approve your loan or may be required to offer you a higher interest rate, which can result in higher monthly payments.

What is a Tier 1 credit score? ›

Tier 1 credit is generally defined as a credit score of 750 or higher. The term is most commonly used among auto lenders, but other lenders use it as well. People with tier 1 credit have the highest level of creditworthiness and will usually receive the most favorable terms on loans and lines of credit.

Can you get a Tesla with 500 credit score? ›

What credit score do I need to finance a Tesla? Tesla does not state a minimum credit score for financing. However, as with other brands, you will have much better luck securing a lower APR if you have a better score. Try aiming for a credit score of 720 or higher to get the best possible rate.

Will paying off 2 credit cards increase my score? ›

The closer you are to your credit limit, the more paying off credit cards improves your score because it reduces your credit utilization rate. Similarly, the more you pay down on your balance, the more you impact your credit score.

How fast can I add 100 points to my credit score? ›

Here are 10 ways to increase your credit score by 100 points - most often this can be done within 45 days.
  • Check your credit report. ...
  • Pay your bills on time. ...
  • Pay off any collections. ...
  • Get caught up on past-due bills. ...
  • Keep balances low on your credit cards. ...
  • Pay off debt rather than continually transferring it.

Should I have 3 credit cards? ›

If your goal is to get or maintain a good credit score, two to three credit card accounts, in addition to other types of credit, are generally recommended. This combination may help you improve your credit mix. Lenders and creditors like to see a wide variety of credit types on your credit report.

How can I raise my credit score 40 points fast? ›

Tips that can help raise your credit scores
  1. Check your credit reports on a regular basis to track your progress. ...
  2. Sign up for free credit monitoring. ...
  3. Figure out how much money you owe. ...
  4. Set up autopay, so you never forget to make a credit card payment. ...
  5. Pay twice a month. ...
  6. Negotiate a lower interest rate.
Mar 7, 2023

How can I increase my credit age? ›

Protecting Your Credit Score: Credit Age
  1. Open new credit as soon as possible and manage it well. Waiting to start building your credit means that your credit age is younger than it has to be. ...
  2. Don't close old accounts if you don't have to. ...
  3. Be careful about opening new accounts you don't need.
Jun 28, 2021

Can my credit score go up 200 points in a month? ›

There are several actions you may take that can provide you a quick boost to your credit score in a short length of time, even though there are no short cuts to developing a strong credit history and score. In fact, some individuals' credit scores may increase by as much as 200 points in just 30 days.

Why is it so hard to get a credit score of 850? ›

According to FICO, about 98% of “FICO High Achievers” have zero missed payments. And for the small 2% who do, the missed payment happened, on average, approximately four years ago. So while missing a credit card payment can be easy to do, staying on top of your payments is the only way you will one day reach 850.

Does anyone have a credit score over 850? ›

While achieving a perfect 850 credit score is rare, it's not impossible. About 1.3% of consumers have one, according to Experian's latest data. FICO scores can range anywhere from 300 to 850. The average score was 714, as of 2021.

What is the average credit score by age? ›

Average FICO Score Nearly Unchanged Among All Generations
Average FICO® Score by Generation
Generation20212022
Baby boomers (58-76)740742
Generation X (42-57)705706
Millennials (26-41)686687
2 more rows
Feb 24, 2023

How much is a 30k car payment for 72 months? ›

The total interest amount on a $30,000, 72-month loan at 5% is $4,787—a savings of more than $1,000 versus the same loan at 6%. So it pays to shop around to find the best rate possible.

How much is a lease on a $45000 car? ›

How much is a lease for a $45,000 car? Using our calculator, we input a $5,000 down payment, an assumed $25,000 residual value, an interest rate of 7% and a term of 36 months (three years). It resulted in monthly payment of $606 before taxes.

What credit score do you need for a 30000 car loan? ›

There's no set minimum credit score required to get an auto loan. It's possible to get approved for an auto loan with just about any credit score, but the better your credit history, the bigger your chances of getting approved with favorable terms.

What are 3 things that will raise your credit score? ›

But here are some things to consider that can help almost anyone boost their credit score:
  • Review your credit reports. ...
  • Pay on time. ...
  • Keep your credit utilization rate low. ...
  • Limit applying for new accounts. ...
  • Keep old accounts open.

How to get your credit score up 100 points in 30 days? ›

For most people, increasing a credit score by 100 points in a month isn't going to happen. But if you pay your bills on time, eliminate your consumer debt, don't run large balances on your cards and maintain a mix of both consumer and secured borrowing, an increase in your credit could happen within months.

What can negatively impact your credit score? ›

Late or missed payments. Collection accounts. Account balances are too high. The balance you have on revolving accounts, such as credit cards, is too close to the credit limit.

What is the highest credit score without a mortgage? ›

The highest credit score you can have on the most widely used scales is an 850. For common versions of FICO and VantageScore, the scale ranges from 300 to 850 and lenders typically consider anything above 720 excellent credit.

How many credit points do you gain a month? ›

The number of points you gain in a month varies between individual financial situations and debt types. For instance, a Credit Builder Loan can help you gain as many as 47 points in just 60 days. But if you're struggling with a heavy negative mark like a bankruptcy or missed payment, recovery may take a little longer.

How much can you borrow with a 700 credit score? ›

The average credit limit for those with a 700 credit score is right around $4,500. However, if you were to pull out a 700 credit score personal loan, you should be able to access more money than you would with just a credit card.

How common is a credit score over 800? ›

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

What is a good credit score for my age? ›

In 2021, people aged 18 to 24 averaged 679, while those 76 and up had an average credit score of 760.
...
Average Credit Score by Age.
AgeAverage FICO Score
18-24679
25-40686
41-56705
57-75740
1 more row

What is an excellent credit score for my age? ›

Credit scores 800 and up are considered excellent. Someone with a VantageScore that's 600 or less is considered to have poor or very poor credit.

How many people have an 850 credit score? ›

Only about 1.6% of the 232 million U.S. consumers with a credit score have a perfect 850, according to FICO's most recent statistics.

Why is it so hard to get a 800 credit score? ›

Since the length of your credit history accounts for 15% of your credit score, negative, minimal or no credit history can stop you from reaching an 800 credit score. To solve this problem, focus on building your credit. You can do this by taking out a credit-builder loan or applying for your first credit card.

Is there a difference between 700 and 800 credit score? ›

No. With credit scoring, there's nothing wrong with trying to get the best credit score you can, but realize that once you fall into that "excellent credit" range, your precise score may not make much of a difference in your ability to qualify for credit and low interest rates on loans.

What credit score is good for buying a house? ›

It's recommended you have a credit score of 620 or higher when you apply for a conventional loan. If your score is below 620, lenders either won't be able to approve your loan or may be required to offer you a higher interest rate, which can result in higher monthly payments.

Does age matter in credit score? ›

The short answer is no. Your date of birth doesn't necessarily impact your personal credit score—but the age of your credit profile does. “What it means is the age of your credit report. Yes, your credit report has an age just like anything else,” writes Gerri Detweiler for Credit.com.

Does income affect credit score? ›

How does my income affect my credit score? Your income doesn't directly impact your credit score, though how much money you make affects your ability to pay off credit card debt, which in turn affects your credit score. "Creditworthiness" is often shown through a credit score.

What is the average credit score for a 70 year old? ›

Those in their 60s have a significantly higher score as they've built it over many years, with their average credit score standing at 733.
...
What Is the Average Credit Score by Age in the U.S.?
Age in YearsCredit Score
50 to 59703 (Good)
60 to 69733 (Good)
70 to 79754 (Very Good)
80+755 (Very Good)
4 more rows
Feb 6, 2023

How can I build my credit fast? ›

14 Tips on How to Build Credit Fast
  1. Request Your Free Credit Reports. ...
  2. Verify the Contents of Your Credit Reports. ...
  3. File a Credit Report Dispute If Errors Are Present. ...
  4. Pay Your Bills on Time — Every Time. ...
  5. Become an Authorized User on a Credit Card. ...
  6. Pay Off Debt and Accounts-in-collections Quickly.

Who has the highest credit score ever? ›

For most credit-scoring models, including VantageScore 3.0 and FICO, the highest credit score possible is 850. We were able to speak to two Americans who belong to the exclusive FICO 850 Club: Brad Stevens of Austin, Texas, and John Ulzheimer of Atlanta.

Do cell phone bills affect your credit score? ›

Phone bills for service and usage are not usually reported to major credit bureaus, so you won't build credit when paying these month to month. However, through certain credit monitoring services, you can manually add up to 24 months of payment history to your report.

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