Your FICO Score is one part of what a lender considers when judging credit-worthiness.

Approximately

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8%

A Good FICO® score is

The median credit score in the U.S. is in this range.

Things to Remember

670 to 739

A FICO Score helps lenders determine the level of risk associated with offering someone a loan. But there are other factors to consider as well. Hover over each bar for some additional tips.

10%

Understanding the FICO® Score Ranges

You are considered an “acceptable” borrower.

Whenever you request credit, the lender asks to look at your credit, which generates the notation of a hard inquiry on your credit report. Too many hard inquiries could indicate greater credit risk. The impact of hard inquiries diminishes the older the inquiries get.

Your FICO Score powered by Experian data can range from 300 to 850 and can influence what credit is available to you, how much interest you’ll pay and even things such as your utilities and mobile phone options. Use the slider on the left to learn more about the different score ranges.

of consumers with a credit score of 670-739 are likely to become seriously delinquent in the future.

800 plus

New credit

1%

How Scores are Calculated

An Exceptional FICO® score is

Your FICO Score considers positive and negative information in your credit report, and it’s divided into five categories. Click the pie chart to learn more about each category.

Your score is well above the average U.S. consumer’s score.

You may experience an easy approval process when applying for new credit.

580 to 669

35%

of consumers with a credit score of 800+ are likely to become seriously delinquent in the future.

28%

Payment history

Consumers in this range are considered subprime borrowers, and getting credit may be difficult with interest rates that are likely to be much higher.

A Fair FICO® score is

of consumers with a credit score of 580-669 are likely to become seriously delinquent in the future.

Your score is below the average score of U.S. consumers.

The factor that often has greatest impact on many credit scores is payment history. This information can positively affect your credit score if you have a history of paying all your bills on time all the time. However, late or missed payments will negatively affect your credit scores.

740 to 799

30%

579 & lower

2%

The total amount of credit you have available, based on credit card limits, compared to the amount of credit you’re actually using (credit card balances) is also a common credit score factor. A low credit utilization ratio indicates your ability to manage credit well, and many lenders like to see ratios of 30% or less.

An Very Good FICO® score is

61%

Remember...

15%

Amounts owed on credit and debt

Your score is above the average U.S. consumer’s score.

A Poor FICO® score is

Source: myfico.com

Because past behaviors and experience can help predict future behavior, many credit scoring models look back and consider how long you’ve used credit, including your oldest and newest accounts. They’ll also consider the average age of all your open accounts. In general, it’s better to have a longer credit history than a short one.

This is considered poor credit.

Length of credit history

Your FICO Score is only a snapshot of your probable credit risk at a certain point in time. It does not take everything into account, and it can change depending on your credit behavior. To learn more about what activities you can do to bolster your credit score, visit the Credit Advice section of the Ask Experian blog.

Hover over each bar for some additional tips.

You may qualify for better interest rates from lenders.

Your FICO Score does not factor in income, length of employment, alimony or child support payments, and other things that lenders will typically consider.

The variety of types of credit you’re using is also a credit score factor in many models. Scoring models look at how many credit cards and installment loans you have, or if all your credit is the same kind – for example, if all your credit happens to be retail cards.

Having little payment history, or having only new credit can result in a lower FICO Score. It is not always from missed payments or maxed-out credit cards.

of consumers with a credit score of 740-799 are likely to become seriously delinquent in the future.

Consumers may be rejected for credit. Credit card applicants in this range may require a fee or a deposit. Utilities may also require a deposit. A credit score this low could be a result from bankruptcy or other major credit problems.

Types of credit used

of consumers with a credit score of 579 or less are likely to become seriously delinquent in the future.