Key takeaways
- Most credit scores range from 300 to 850. Higher is better.
- There’s no single official “good” number; each lender sets its own standards.
- You have many credit scores, because different models and bureaus produce different numbers.
- Payment history and credit utilization matter most.
- You can improve your score with on-time payments, lower balances and time.
“What’s a good credit score?” sounds like it should have a simple answer. It mostly does: higher is better. But there’s no single official cutoff, and you actually have many scores, not one. Here’s how to make sense of it.
The basic range
According to the CFPB, most credit scores range from 300 to 850. A higher score usually makes it easier to qualify for a loan and may get you a better interest rate or terms.
How scores are commonly grouped
Each lender decides what score it wants. As a general guide, CFPB research has used these tiers when looking at borrower risk:
| Score | Tier |
|---|---|
| 720 and above | Super-prime |
| 660 to 719 | Prime |
| 620 to 659 | Near-prime |
| 580 to 619 | Subprime |
| Below 580 | Deep subprime |
Roughly speaking, scores in the prime range and above are generally considered good to very good by many lenders. Lower tiers usually mean higher interest rates or fewer options, not necessarily a “no.”
Why you have more than one score
The CFPB explains that you don’t have just one credit score. Scores vary depending on:
- The scoring model, such as different versions of FICO or VantageScore.
- The credit bureau whose data is used: Equifax, Experian or TransUnion.
- The date the score is calculated.
- The type of loan: some scores are built specifically for auto loans or mortgages.
So the score you see in an app may not be the exact score a lender uses. Focus on the trend and the underlying report.
What affects your score
According to the CFPB, the main factors include:
- Payment history: the most important factor for most scores.
- How much of your credit you use: keep it under 30% of your limits. See what is credit utilization.
- Length of credit history.
- Recent applications for credit. See hard vs. soft credit inquiries.
How to check your score and report
- Your credit reports are free weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com, according to the FTC. Reports don’t include scores, but they’re what scores are built from. See how to read your credit report.
- Your score is often available free from your card company, bank or credit union.
How to improve your score
- Pay every bill on time. Set up automatic minimum payments.
- Pay down card balances, especially on cards near their limits.
- Fix errors on your reports. See how to dispute an error on your credit report.
- Apply for new credit only when you need it.
- Give it time. Negative items fade in impact as they age.
If you’re recovering from debt problems, see how to rebuild credit after debt problems. If you have little credit history, becoming an authorized user is another option. And to see how long missed payments count against you, read how long late payments stay on your credit report.
Beware of quick fixes
No one can legally remove accurate negative information from your report, and you can dispute real errors yourself for free. Be careful with anyone who promises a fast score boost for a fee.
The bottom line
Most scores run from 300 to 850, and higher is better, but each lender sets its own bar and you have many scores. Instead of chasing one number, focus on what drives all of them: paying on time, keeping balances low and checking your reports for errors.
Sources: CFPB: what is a credit score · CFPB: how do I get and keep a good credit score · CFPB: borrower risk profiles · FTC: free credit reports