Credit Scores

What Is a Good Credit Score?

Quick Answer

A good credit score is generally considered to be 670 or higher on the FICO scale (300–850). Scores of 740+ are considered "very good" and scores of 800+ are considered "exceptional."

Last Updated: March 2026 WiseIQ Editorial Team

Credit Score Ranges (FICO)

Score RangeRatingWhat It Means
300–579PoorDifficulty getting approved. High rates if approved. Secured cards only.
580–669FairSome approvals. Higher-than-average rates. Limited product choices.
670–739GoodMost products available. Near-average rates. Good approval odds.
740–799Very GoodBetter-than-average rates. Strong approval odds. Premium cards available.
800–850ExceptionalBest rates available. Highest approval odds. All products accessible.

What Lenders Consider "Good"

Different lenders have different thresholds. For a conventional mortgage, most lenders want 620+ (FHA) or 640+ (conventional). For the best mortgage rates, you generally need 740+. For premium credit cards, most require 700+. For personal loans at competitive rates, 680+ is typically needed.

What Makes Up Your Credit Score

FactorWeightWhat It Measures
Payment History35%On-time payments vs. late/missed payments
Credit Utilization30%How much of your credit limit you're using
Length of Credit History15%Age of oldest, newest, and average accounts
Credit Mix10%Variety of account types (cards, loans, mortgage)
New Credit10%Recent applications and new accounts

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 700 a good credit score?

Yes. A 700 credit score is in the 'Good' range (670–739) on the FICO scale. With a 700 score, you'll qualify for most credit products including mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards, though not always at the best available rates. Improving to 740+ unlocks significantly better rates.

Is 750 a good credit score?

Yes. A 750 credit score is in the 'Very Good' range (740–799) on the FICO scale. With a 750 score, you'll qualify for the best rates on most products and have strong approval odds for premium credit cards and large loans.

What is the average credit score in the US?

The average FICO score in the US is approximately 716 as of 2024, which falls in the 'Good' range. About 21% of Americans have scores above 800, and about 16% have scores below 580.

How long does it take to get a good credit score?

Building a good credit score (670+) from scratch typically takes 12–18 months with consistent on-time payments and low credit utilization. Improving from a poor score (580) to good (670+) typically takes 1–3 years depending on what's dragging your score down.

Related Guides & Tools

How to Raise Your Credit Score 100 Points →Credit Score by Number: Is 700 a Good Score? →Best Credit Cards for Good Credit →Credit Score Simulator →

📚 Books on Credit Scores

Recommended books to go deeper on this topic

RECOMMENDED READ

High Credit Score Secrets

by Various Authors

Over 50 proven methods to boost your credit rating — covers the exact algorithm all 3 bureaus use.

View on Amazon →
RECOMMENDED READ

The Total Money Makeover

by Dave Ramsey

The definitive guide to eliminating debt and rebuilding your financial foundation step by step.

View on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, WiseIQ earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our editorial recommendations.

Related Resources

High Credit Score Secrets

by Various Authors

Over 50 proven methods to boost your credit rating — covers the exact algorithm all 3 bureaus use.

View on Amazon →
RECOMMENDED READ

The Total Money Makeover

by Dave Ramsey

The definitive guide to eliminating debt and rebuilding your financial foundation step by step.

View on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, WiseIQ earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our editorial recommendations.