What Is a Good Credit Score in 2026?
📋 Based on the FICO scoring model (300–850). VantageScore uses the same range with similar bands.
On the FICO scale of 300–850, a "good" credit score is 670 or higher. Climb to 740+ and you're in "very good" territory; 800+ is "exceptional." The average US score sits around 715 — already in the good range. Here's the full breakdown of what each band means, what actually moves your score, and the fastest ways to raise it.
Key Takeaways
- The average FICO score in the United States has hovered around 715–718 in recent years, which falls in the 'good' range.
- For FICO, payment history is the biggest factor (about 35%), followed by amounts owed / credit utilization (about 30%), length of credit history (about 15%), new credit (about 10%), and credit mix (about 10%).
- The fastest levers are paying down credit-card balances to lower your utilization (aim for under 30%, ideally under 10%), making every payment on time, not closing old accounts, and disputing any errors on your credit report.
FICO Credit Score Ranges
| Range | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 800–850 | Exceptional | Top tier — you'll qualify for the best rates and terms |
| 740–799 | Very Good | Above average — competitive rates on most products |
| 670–739 | Good | Near or above the US average — approved for most credit |
| 580–669 | Fair | Below average — approval likely but at higher rates |
| 300–579 | Poor | Well below average — limited options, higher costs |
Why the bands matter: lenders price risk by score. Crossing from "fair" into "good," or from "good" into "very good," can meaningfully lower the interest rate on a mortgage, auto loan, or card — sometimes saving tens of thousands of dollars over time.
What Affects Your Credit Score
The FICO model weighs five factors. The first two account for nearly two-thirds of your score — so that's where to focus:
What Credit Score Do You Need To…?
| Goal | Typical score needed |
|---|---|
| Best rewards credit cards | ~700+ |
| Conventional mortgage | 620+ (best rates 740+) |
| FHA mortgage | ~580+ (with 3.5% down) |
| Low-rate auto loan | ~660+ |
| Renting an apartment | Often ~620+ (varies by landlord) |
How to Improve Your Credit Score
- Pay every bill on time. Payment history is the single biggest factor. Set autopay for at least the minimum so you never miss a due date.
- Lower your utilization. Keep card balances under 30% of your limit — ideally under 10%. This updates monthly, so paying a card down can lift your score within a cycle or two.
- Don't close your oldest cards. Length of history helps. Keep old accounts open (and used lightly) to preserve your average account age.
- Apply for new credit sparingly. Each hard inquiry dings your score slightly. Space out applications.
- Check your reports for errors. Pull your free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute any mistakes — errors are common and can cost you points.
High balances dragging you down? Credit utilization is 30% of your score. Paying off high-interest card debt is the rare move that both raises your score and saves you money — see the average credit-card interest rate.
Build Credit and Save at the Same Time
A budgeting app helps you automate on-time payments and pay down balances — the two habits that move your score most.
Best Budgeting Apps 2026 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good credit score in 2026?
On the FICO scale (300–850), 670+ is "good", 740–799 is "very good", and 800+ is "exceptional." Good or better qualifies you for most loans at competitive rates.
What is the average credit score in the US?
Around 715–718 in recent years — already in the "good" range. Scores rise with age as histories lengthen and balances fall.
What credit score do I need to buy a house?
Conventional loans often want 620+, FHA can go to ~580 with 3.5% down, but the best rates go to 740+. A higher score can save tens of thousands over a mortgage.
What affects my score the most?
Payment history (~35%) and credit utilization (~30%) together are nearly two-thirds. Paying on time and keeping balances low are the highest-impact habits.
How can I raise my score fast?
Pay down card balances (lower utilization), never miss a payment, keep old accounts open, and dispute report errors. Utilization updates monthly, so results can show in a cycle or two.