A good credit score is generally 670 to 739 on the FICO scale, which runs from 300 to 850. Scores from 740 to 799 are very good, and 800 or higher is exceptional. On VantageScore, a good score usually starts at 661. A good score can help you qualify for loans and cards at better rates.
Your score also matters when you rent an apartment or sign up for some utilities. This guide explains the scoring models, the ranges, and how to work on improving your credit score over time.
Key takeaways
- Credit scores range from 300-850, with “good” generally starting around 670 on FICO.
- FICO and VantageScore are the two primary scoring models.
- Payment history and credit utilization are the most impactful factors.
- Regularly monitor your credit reports for accuracy.
What Are the FICO and VantageScore Ranges?
There isn’t just one credit score. The two most common scoring models are FICO and VantageScore. Each has its own formula and slightly different ranges, though they generally line up. For a closer look at every tier, see our guide to credit score ranges.
FICO Score Ranges
FICO® Scores are the credit scores most widely used by lenders in credit decisions. FICO scores range from 300 to 850:
- Exceptional: 800-850
- Very Good: 740-799
- Good: 670-739
- Fair: 580-669
- Poor: 300-579
A good FICO score starts at 670. Lenders generally see borrowers in this range as lower risk, so they’re more likely to qualify for better interest rates on loans and credit cards.
VantageScore Ranges
VantageScore is another popular scoring model, developed by the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Like FICO, VantageScore ranges from 300 to 850:
- Superprime: 781-850
- Prime: 661-780
- Near Prime: 601-660
- Subprime: 300-600
For VantageScore, a good score usually begins at 661. Learn more in our guide to VantageScore 4.0.
What Factors Affect Your Credit Score?
Both models look at similar factors. For FICO scores, they’re weighted roughly as follows (VantageScore weighs them differently):
- Payment history (35%): The most important factor. Paying on time, every time, shows reliability. Late payments, collections, bankruptcies and foreclosures can seriously hurt your score.
- Amounts owed, including credit utilization (30%): Utilization is how much of your available credit you’re using. Keeping it below 30% is a common guideline. For example, with a $10,000 total limit, try to keep your balances below $3,000. See how credit utilization affects your credit score.
- Length of credit history (15%): The longer your accounts have been open and in good standing, the better. It shows a track record of responsible borrowing.
- New credit (10%): Opening several new accounts in a short time can look risky and may lower your score for a while. Each hard inquiry may have a small, temporary effect.
- Credit mix (10%): Having different types of credit, such as credit cards, auto loans and mortgages, can help your score.
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Frequently Asked Questions
An excellent FICO score is 800-850, which FICO calls “exceptional.” For VantageScore, the top tier is 781-850 (“superprime”). Scores in these ranges generally get lenders’ best terms.
Yes. A 720 FICO score is in the good range (670–739). The very good range starts at 740, which is where many lenders offer their most competitive rates.
It depends on where you start. If you’re new to credit, you generally need at least six months of history to get a FICO score, and building that score into the good range takes longer. Recovering from negative items can take anywhere from months to years, depending on what’s on your report. Our guide on how long it takes to build credit has more detail.
Your credit report can, but employers don’t see your score. Some employers, especially for financial roles or positions of trust, check credit as part of a background screening, and they need your written permission first. They typically see a modified version of your report without your score, focusing on your payment history.
It’s almost always better to pay your balance in full each month. You save on interest, and you keep your credit utilization low, which helps your score. Carrying a balance doesn’t help your score.
Building Good Credit Over Time
A good credit score can open doors and save you money. By understanding what affects your score and practicing good habits consistently, you can build and keep a stronger credit profile over time. Start by checking your reports for accuracy; you can get free reports from all three bureaus weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com.