Why trust this guide: score ranges and factor weights come from myFICO, and the definitions come from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Dollar examples are made-up arithmetic. Your actual score and the offers you get depend on the scoring model and the lender. This is general education, not credit repair or financial advice.
A credit score is a number that estimates how likely you are to repay debt on time. Lenders calculate it from your credit report using a formula called a scoring model. The CFPB describes it as "a prediction of your credit behavior," and most scores fall between 300 and 850 (CFPB). On the widely used FICO scale, a good score is 670 to 739.
But "good" is not one finish line. Here is what each tier means, what moves your number, and how to get to the next level.
What counts as a good credit score?
On the FICO scale, a good score is 670 to 739. Scores of 740 to 799 are "very good," and 800 and above are "exceptional." Lenders often reserve their best terms for the higher tiers, but they set their own cutoffs, so the label is a guide, not a guarantee.
Here are the FICO tiers from myFICO (myFICO):
| Tier | FICO range | What it usually means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| Poor | Below 580 | Approvals are hard; offers tend to be costly or need a deposit |
| Fair | 580 to 669 | Some approvals; expect higher costs than better tiers |
| Good | 670 to 739 | Solid access to many cards and loans |
| Very Good | 740 to 799 | Strong access; often better terms |
| Exceptional | 800 and above | Top tier; little extra benefit beyond the very good range for most people |
The right-hand column is a general pattern, not a rule from any lender. Always check the actual offer.
What shapes your score?
The CFPB says your score reflects payment history, unpaid debt, the number and types of accounts, account age, how much available credit you use, and new credit applications. Collections, foreclosures and bankruptcies also matter, especially recent ones (CFPB).
myFICO gives the weights for its FICO score: payment history 35%, amount of debt 30%, length of credit history 15%, new credit 10%, and credit mix 10% (myFICO).
Two takeaways. First, paying on time and keeping balances low cover about two-thirds of the formula. Second, you cannot instantly fix history length or mix, so do not obsess over them.
How to read your own number
You do not have just one score. Results vary by scoring model, the data source and when the score is calculated (CFPB). That means the score on a free app can differ from the one a lender pulls. A gap of a few points is normal. A big gap is worth checking: look for errors on your reports using our guide on how to read your credit report.
If you find a mistake, here is how to dispute a credit report error.
Why "good" is not the same as "best"
A good score can get you approved for many products. The best terms often go to the higher tiers, and the difference can add up on large loans. To see how an interest rate turns into real money, read how credit card interest works.
Month-by-month: moving up a tier
You cannot promise a score, but you can run good habits. Here is a made-up plan for someone in the fair range with one card.
Month 1: Stop the bleeding. Set every bill on autopay for at least the minimum, and pull your reports to check for errors.
Month 2: Lower the balance. Say the card has a $2,000 limit and a $1,000 balance. That is 50% of the limit. Paying it down to $600 puts it at 30%. Paying it to $200 puts it at 10%. Lower is generally better.
Month 3 to 5: Stay steady. Do not open new accounts unless you need them. Each application can add a hard inquiry, which is covered in hard vs. soft inquiries.
Month 6: Re-check. Look at your report again, and consider asking for a credit limit increase if your payment history is clean.
Scores update when lenders report, so changes can take a billing cycle or more to appear.
What a good score can (and cannot) do for you
Lenders use scores to decide on mortgages, credit cards and auto loans, and to set interest rates and credit limits. Landlords and insurers may also look at them (CFPB). So a better score can open doors in several places, not just at the bank.
What it cannot do is replace a healthy budget. A high score does not mean you can afford a new loan. It only means lenders think you are likely to repay. Before you borrow, check that the payment fits your real monthly plan with the budget calculator.
A quick self-check before you apply
- Pull your reports and look for errors or accounts you do not recognize.
- Note your balances against each limit. The lower, the better.
- Confirm nothing is late. One missed payment can hurt, and it is the largest factor in the formula.
- Skip new applications for a few months if you can.
- Compare offers with soft pulls or prequalification where available, so you do not collect unneeded hard inquiries.
Common mistakes
- Chasing a number instead of habits. Pay on time and keep balances low, and the number follows.
- Closing your oldest card. It can shorten your history and cut your available credit. See does closing a card hurt your score?
- Applying for lots of credit at once. New credit is 10% of the formula.
- Believing every credit myth. Our credit score myths guide clears up the usual ones.
- Paying for score "repair" you can do free. Be careful with anyone who promises a quick fix.
Edge cases: no history, irregular income and tight budgets
If you have no credit history: You may not have a score at all. Start with a secured card or a credit-builder loan, or see how to build credit without a credit card.
If your income is irregular: Put bills on autopay for the minimum, and keep a small buffer so a slow month never causes a late payment. See how to budget on an irregular income.
If your budget is tight: The most valuable move is free: pay on time. If you cannot pay everything, check the priority order for bills and call lenders early.
If you are a student or starting out: Building credit in college walks through safe first steps.
Who should skip worrying about the exact number
If you are not applying for credit soon, a precise score matters less than the habits behind it. And if you are far from any big purchase, a few points either way will not change your life. Focus on on-time payments and low balances, and check your reports once or twice a year.
Quick answers
What is a good credit score? On the FICO scale, 670 to 739 is considered good. Lenders set their own cutoffs, so check each offer.
What is the highest credit score? Most scores range from 300 to 850. FICO calls 800 and above exceptional.
Is 700 a good credit score? Yes, 700 falls in FICO's good range of 670 to 739. Some lenders reserve their best terms for higher scores.
Why do I have different scores? Scores vary by scoring model, data source and the time they are calculated, so a few points of difference is normal.
How long does it take to improve a credit score? It depends on your starting point and habits. Paying on time and lowering balances helps over a few billing cycles, but nothing is guaranteed.