Most credit scores in the US run from 300 to 850. With FICO, the score most lenders use, 670 to 739 is “good,” 740 to 799 is “very good” and 800 or higher is “exceptional.” Below 580 is considered poor. Here is what each range means for the loans and rates you can get, and how to move up a band.
FICO credit score ranges
| Score | Rating | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| 800–850 | Exceptional | Best rates on mortgages, cars and cards |
| 740–799 | Very good | Near-best rates; easy approvals |
| 670–739 | Good | Approved by most lenders at average rates |
| 580–669 | Fair | Approvals possible, higher rates and deposits |
| 300–579 | Poor | Hard to get approved; secured cards help rebuild |
VantageScore ranges
VantageScore, used by many free credit apps, also runs from 300 to 850 but labels the bands differently.
| Score | VantageScore rating |
|---|---|
| 781–850 | Excellent |
| 661–780 | Good |
| 601–660 | Fair |
| 500–600 | Poor |
| 300–499 | Very poor |
That is why your banking app might show a different number from the one a mortgage lender pulls. Neither is wrong; they use different models and sometimes different credit bureau data.
Why the range you are in matters
Lenders price loans in tiers. Moving from “fair” to “good” can cut the interest rate on a car loan or mortgage enough to save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. On a mortgage, the best rates usually start around 740 to 760; above that, extra points make little difference. See what a rate change does to your payment with our mortgage calculator.
What goes into your score
- Payment history (about 35%): paying on time, every time, matters most.
- Amounts owed (about 30%): keep card balances low compared with your limits, ideally under 30% and better under 10%.
- Length of credit history (about 15%): older accounts help, so think twice before closing your first card.
- New credit (about 10%): several applications in a short time can lower your score.
- Credit mix (about 10%): a mix of cards and loans helps a little.
How to move up a range
- Set every bill to autopay at least the minimum so you never miss a due date.
- Pay card balances down before the statement date, not just the due date, so a lower balance is reported.
- Ask for a credit limit increase on cards you already have.
- Check your reports for errors at the official free site, AnnualCreditReport.com, and dispute anything wrong.
- Avoid opening several new accounts in the months before a big loan application.
For a step-by-step plan, read how to raise your credit score fast, and for the bigger picture, what is a good credit score. If card debt is holding your score down, start with how to pay off credit card debt.
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Frequently asked questions
Is 700 a good credit score?
Yes. A 700 FICO score sits in the “good” range of 670 to 739, and most lenders will approve you at reasonable rates.
What is the highest credit score?
850 for both FICO and VantageScore. You do not need a perfect score; above about 800 you already get the best terms.
Does checking my own score lower it?
No. Checking your own score is a soft inquiry and has no effect. Only hard inquiries from credit applications count.
How long does it take to go from fair to good?
Often a few months if high card balances are the main issue, since lower balances show up as soon as they are reported. Late payments take longer to fade.
This article is general information, not financial advice.
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