The most widely used model, FICO, scores from 300 to 850:
| Range | Category |
|---|---|
| 300–579 | Poor |
| 580–669 | Fair |
| 670–739 | Good |
| 740–799 | Very Good |
| 800–850 | Exceptional |
VantageScore, the other major scoring model, also uses a 300–850 range, but its category cutoffs differ slightly:
| Range | Category |
|---|---|
| 300–499 | Very Poor |
| 500–600 | Poor |
| 601–660 | Fair |
| 661–780 | Good |
| 781–850 | Excellent |
You actually have many scores, because each bureau (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and each scoring model can produce a slightly different number depending on what’s in your file with that bureau at that moment.
What Makes Up Your Credit Score
FICO weighs five factors:
- Payment history (35%): Whether you pay on time. This is the biggest factor.
- Amounts owed (30%): Mainly your credit utilization, the share of your available credit you’re using.
- Length of credit history (15%): The age of your oldest account and the average age of all your accounts.
- New credit (10%): Recent applications and newly opened accounts.
- Credit mix (10%): Having both revolving credit (cards) and installment loans (auto, student).
How to Check Your Credit Score for Free
- Many card issuers and banks show a free FICO or VantageScore in their apps or online accounts.
- You can get free weekly credit reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Reports show your history, though not always your score.
- Read your reports for errors. Mistakes are common, and you can dispute them directly with the bureau.
- Checking your own score is a “soft inquiry” and does not hurt it.
How to Improve Your Credit Score
- Pay every bill on time. Set up autopay for at least the minimum payment. A payment that is 30 or more days late can seriously damage your score.
- Keep utilization low. Aim to stay below 30% of your limit on each card and overall. Under 10% is even better.
- Don’t close your oldest accounts. Older accounts lengthen your credit history. If a card has no annual fee, keeping it open usually helps.
- Limit new applications. Each application can trigger a hard inquiry, which may lower your score slightly for a while.
- Dispute errors. Incorrect late payments or accounts that aren’t yours can drag your score down.
- Build credit if you’re starting out. Options include a secured credit card, a credit-builder loan, or becoming an authorized user on a trusted person’s account. Our guide on how to build credit from scratch walks through each one.
How Long Does It Take to Improve Your Score?
It depends on where you start. Lowering your utilization can help within one or two billing cycles, because issuers usually report your balance once a month. Recovering from late payments or collections takes longer, since negative marks can stay on your report for up to seven years. Consistent on-time payments are what build a strong score over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 700 a good credit score?
Yes. A 700 falls in the “good” range on the FICO scale and should qualify you for many mainstream credit cards.
Is 750 a good credit score?
Yes. A 750 is considered very good and can help you qualify for competitive rates and rewards cards.
What is the average credit score in the U.S.?
The national average FICO score has been in the low 700s in recent years. FICO publishes updated figures periodically, so check its website for the latest number.
What credit score do you need for a credit card?
There is no single number. Secured cards accept low scores, while premium rewards cards usually want good to excellent credit.
Does checking my own credit score lower it?
No. Checking your own score is a soft inquiry and doesn’t affect it.
Next Steps
Once you know where you stand, choose a card that matches your score. Start with our guides to credit cards for beginners and cash back credit cards.
Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Some links on this site may earn us a commission at no cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure and full disclaimer. Card terms change often, so confirm current rates and fees with the issuer.