What is the average credit score considered 'good' in the US?

What Makes a Credit Score "Good"?

Credit scores can feel like a mysterious number controlling your financial life — and in many ways, they do. The range of 670 to 739 sits in the sweet spot that most lenders consider "good," according to the FICO scoring model, which is the most widely used credit scoring system in the United States.

FICO scores run from 300 to 850. The higher the number, the better. But the scale isn't just a single sliding bar — it's broken into distinct tiers, each carrying real consequences for your borrowing power.

How the Tiers Break Down

Here's how FICO officially categorizes the ranges:

• Exceptional: 800–850
• Very Good: 740–799
• Good: 670–739
• Fair: 580–669
• Poor: 300–579

Landing in that 670–739 band means lenders generally see you as a reliable borrower. You'll likely qualify for most standard credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages — though you may not always snag the absolute lowest interest rates on the market. That premium treatment usually kicks in at 740 and above.

Where Does the Average American Actually Land?

Here's a reassuring fact: the average FICO score in the US hit 718 in 2023, according to Experian's annual consumer credit review. That puts the average American squarely inside the "good" range — though just barely below "very good." It's also worth noting that scores have been gradually climbing over the past decade, up from around 686 in 2009 following the financial crisis.

Why This Number Matters More Than You Think

Even within the "good" range, a difference of 30 or 40 points can translate into thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. For example, on a 30-year fixed mortgage of $300,000, a borrower with a 679 score might pay a noticeably higher interest rate than someone at 735 — potentially adding hundreds of dollars per year in interest payments.

Credit card issuers, landlords, and even some employers use credit scores to assess risk. Falling below 670 doesn't mean financial ruin, but it does narrow your options and typically raises your borrowing costs.

The Five Factors Behind Your Score

FICO calculates your score based on five key factors: payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit inquiries (10%), and credit mix (10%). Payment history carries the most weight, which is why a single missed payment can ding your score more than many people expect.

The bottom line? A score of 670 or higher gives you solid financial footing. But pushing past 740 is where the real rewards — better rates, better terms, more choices — start to pile up.