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What Is a Good Credit Score? Ranges Explained
Updated October 23, 2026 · Restore Your Credit editorial team · Educational information, not legal advice
Quick answer
On the FICO scale of 300–850, a good credit score is 670–739, very good is 740–799 and exceptional is 800 or higher. On VantageScore 3.0 and 4.0, good is 661–780 and excellent is 781–850. Lenders set their own cutoffs, but scores above about 740 usually get the best rates.
Key facts
- FICO ranges: Poor below 580 · Fair 580–669 · Good 670–739 · Very good 740–799 · Exceptional 800–850.
- VantageScore ranges: Very poor 300–499 · Poor 500–600 · Fair 601–660 · Good 661–780 · Excellent 781–850.
- You have many scores — different models and bureaus give different numbers.
- Mortgage lenders often use older FICO versions; card issuers commonly use FICO 8.
- Payment history and credit utilization are the biggest drivers of both models.
Your credit score affects interest rates, approvals, deposits and sometimes insurance rates. Here's what the numbers mean and how to move into the next band.
FICO score ranges
- 800–850: Exceptional.
- 740–799: Very good — typically qualifies for the best rates.
- 670–739: Good — around the U.S. average.
- 580–669: Fair — approvals possible, often at higher rates.
- 300–579: Poor — may need secured products or a co-signer.
Why your scores differ
Each bureau has slightly different information, and there are many scoring models (FICO 8, FICO 9, FICO 10, industry-specific auto and card scores, VantageScore 3.0 and 4.0). A free app might show a VantageScore while a mortgage lender uses an older FICO version, so the numbers won't always match.
How to move up a band
- Pay every bill on time — one new late payment can drop a good score significantly.
- Lower credit card utilization below 30%, ideally below 10%, on each card and overall.
- Dispute errors on your reports.
- Keep old accounts open and avoid unnecessary applications.
- If your file is thin, add a secured card or credit-builder loan.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good credit score?
670–739 on the FICO scale; 740–799 is very good and 800+ exceptional. On VantageScore, 661–780 is good.
What credit score do I need to buy a house?
It depends on the loan. Many conventional loans look for 620 or higher, while FHA loans may allow lower scores with a larger down payment. Higher scores get better rates.
Is 700 a good credit score?
Yes. 700 is in the FICO 'good' range (670–739).
What's the highest credit score?
850 on both the FICO and VantageScore 3.0/4.0 scales.
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