Few numbers carry as much weight in adult life as your credit score. It can decide whether you qualify for a home loan, what interest rate you pay on a car, and even whether a landlord rents to you.
Good credit score range (FICO): 670–739 ·
Very good credit score range: 740–799 ·
Excellent credit score range: 800–850 ·
Recommended credit utilization: Under 30% of total limit ·
Largest credit score factor: Payment history (35% of FICO)
Quick snapshot
- Borrowers with good credit (670+) can access prime rates (Chase)
- Improving from “fair” to “good” can save thousands in interest (Investopedia)
The table below shows five key facts that define good credit — all confirmed by multiple Tier‑1 and Tier‑2 sources.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Good credit score (FICO) | 670–739 |
| Very good credit score | 740–799 |
| Excellent credit score | 800–850 |
| Recommended credit utilization | Under 30% of total credit limit |
| Payment history weight | 35% of FICO score |
| U.S. average FICO (Apr 2025) | 715 |
| VantageScore “good” range | 661–780 |
| Fannie Mae minimum credit score | 620 for conventional loans |
| Free annual credit reports | AnnualCreditReport.com |
| FHFA permitted models (2025) | Classic FICO or VantageScore 4.0 |
What is the definition of good credit?
Good credit means you’ve demonstrated responsible borrowing behavior over time, and lenders see you as a low default risk. Under the dominant FICO scoring model, that translates to a score between 670 and 739, according to myFICO (FICO’s consumer education site). The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) explains that a credit score estimates how likely you are to repay a loan on time, and the FICO score is the system most lenders rely on.
What does good credit mean?
- A 670 FICO score signals that you pay bills on time and keep balances manageable.
- Lenders view you as “prime” and offer more favorable interest rates (Chase).
- It’s above the national average of 715, which itself falls in the good range (Fidelity Investments).
How lenders define good credit
Different lenders and loan products apply their own thresholds. For example, Fannie Mae’s Selling Guide sets a minimum representative credit score of 620 for most conventional loans. But a credit card issuer might consider 670 “good” while a mortgage lender wants 740 to offer the best rate. The Equifax (credit bureau) notes that lenders generally view scores of 670 and up as acceptable or lower-risk.
The implication: “good” isn’t a universal cutoff. It’s a threshold that opens doors to prime pricing, but the exact door depends on what you’re borrowing for.
What is a good credit score?
The FICO 670–739 “good” band is the same whether you’re applying for a credit card, a car loan, or a mortgage — but the real‑world benefit gets stronger as you climb within that range.
What are the credit score ranges?
The table below shows how the major bureaus and FICO itself slice the 300–850 scale, based on data from Equifax, myFICO, Fidelity, and Chase.
| Label | FICO / Equifax / Common | VantageScore |
|---|---|---|
| Poor | 300–579 | 300–599 |
| Fair | 580–669 | 600–660 |
| Good | 670–739 | 661–780 |
| Very Good | 740–799 | n/a |
| Excellent / Exceptional | 800–850 | 781–850 |
Notice the VantageScore “good” band (661–780) is wider, meaning a borrower at 740 is rated “good” by VantageScore but “very good” by FICO. The catch: most lenders still use FICO, so the 670–739 range is the practical benchmark.
What is a very good or excellent credit score?
- Very good: 740–799 — signals extremely reliable credit behavior (myFICO).
- Excellent/exceptional: 800+ — viewed as exceptionally low risk (myFICO).
- Borrowers in these tiers typically receive the best interest rates from all lenders.
Is a 650 credit good?
Is 650 a good credit score?
A 650 FICO score falls in the “fair” range (580–669). According to Equifax, individuals with fair scores are commonly viewed as “subprime” and may face difficulty qualifying for new credit or receive higher interest rates. Investopedia confirms that borrowers in this band often struggle to get attractive financing, underscoring that 670 is a real pricing inflection point.
What about 700?
700 is a good score — it sits inside the 670–739 range. Fidelity cites FICO data showing the average U.S. score is 715, so 700 is slightly below average but still prime territory. You’ll likely qualify for most loans, though rates improve as you move toward 740.
Is 500 good or bad?
500 is poor — it falls in the 300–579 “poor” range. The FTC notes that a score this low makes it very difficult to obtain credit, and if you do, the interest rates will be high. Improvement requires addressing late payments, high utilization, or any negative items on your report.
What are examples of good credit?
What behaviors lead to good credit?
- Paying all bills on time, every time — payment history is 35% of your FICO score (Fidelity).
- Keeping credit card balances below 30% of your total limit (Investopedia).
- Having a mix of credit types (credit card, auto loan, mortgage) — shows you can handle different obligations.
- Limiting hard inquiries — applying for too much credit at once can drop your score.
How to maintain good credit
The FTC (consumer protection agency) advises paying down outstanding balances and avoiding opening several new accounts at the same time. Also, monitor your credit reports from the three major bureaus — you can get one free report from each per year at AnnualCreditReport.com (the only federally authorized site).
The pattern: good credit isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency. One late payment can undo months of good behavior, but a steady track record of on-time payments and low balances will keep you solidly in the 670+ club.
What is the biggest killer of credit scores?
You can sacrifice a few points by shopping for a mortgage rate within a short window (hard inquiries are grouped), but a single 30‑day late payment can drop a 700 score into the 660s — costing you prime rates for years.
What factors hurt credit scores most?
- Late payments — the largest single factor, since payment history makes up 35% of FICO (Fidelity).
- High credit utilization (using more than 30% of your available credit) (Investopedia).
- Collections, charge‑offs, and bankruptcies — these stay on your report for years and signal severe risk.
How to avoid credit score killers
Set up autopay at minimum for the minimum payment on every card. Keep balances low, and never close your oldest credit card (it shortens your credit history). The CFPB (financial regulator) reminds consumers that being proactive about errors on your report can also prevent unfair dings.
Confirmed facts
- FICO good credit range is 670–739 (myFICO)
- Credit utilization under 30% is advised (Investopedia)
- Late payments severely damage scores (Fidelity)
What remains unclear
- Exact threshold lenders use can vary by institution and product (Equifax)
- “Realistically good” score depends on individual financial goals — a 670 may be fine for a credit card but not for the best mortgage rate.
“A credit score of 670 to 739 is considered good. It shows lenders that you are a dependable borrower and are likely to repay your debts on time.”
“Keep your credit utilization rate at no more than 30% of your total credit limit. This is one of the most important factors in maintaining a good credit score.”
“The most common credit scoring model, FICO, ranges from 300 to 850. A score of 670–739 is good, 740–799 very good, and 800–850 excellent.”
— Equifax (one of the three major credit bureaus)
For the average American, the path from “fair” to “good” is the most financially consequential upgrade they can make. A jump from 650 to 700 can save thousands on a mortgage or auto loan. For someone looking to buy a home, the choice is clear: keep your score above 670, keep utilization low, and dispute any errors — or risk paying a premium for years.
Related reading: How to Unfreeze Experian Credit: Online, Phone, or Mail · Kredittstyring for privatpersoner – Forbedre kredittscoren din
For a deeper look at how these thresholds vary across different age groups and loan types, see U.S. credit score ranges by age.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have good credit with no credit history?
Yes, but you need at least one active account. If you have no history, lenders may view you as an unknown risk. Starting with a secured credit card or being added as an authorized user can help build a score.
How long does it take to build a good credit score?
With consistent on-time payments and low utilization, you can reach a good score (670+) in 12 to 18 months from a standing start.
What credit score do I need to buy a house?
Conventional loans backed by Fannie Mae require a minimum 620, but a score of 740+ unlocks the best interest rates and lower PMI. FHA loans may accept a lower score.
Does checking my own credit score hurt it?
No. Checking your own credit through free services or AnnualCreditReport.com is a soft inquiry and has no impact. Only hard inquiries from lenders can temporarily lower your score.
What’s the difference between FICO and VantageScore?
Both use the 300–850 range, but they label bands differently and weigh factors slightly differently. Most lenders use FICO, but the FHFA now allows VantageScore 4.0 for GSE mortgages.
Will closing a credit card hurt my good credit?
It can. Closing an old card reduces your total available credit (increasing utilization) and shortens your average account age, both of which can lower your score.
How often does my credit score update?
Most lenders report your account information to the bureaus once a month. Your score can change whenever new data is reported, so it can update weekly or even daily if you have active accounts.