The median credit score in the United States is around 715, though the average varies depending on which scoring model is used and which population you're looking at

Credit scores in the U.S. range from 300 to 850 on the most common models (FICO and VantageScore). The middle point where half of Americans score above and half below sits in the low-to-mid 700s. This matters because lenders use these numbers to decide whether to lend to you and at what interest rate — so knowing where you stand relative to others can help you understand what rates you might see.

The exact number shifts year to year and depends on which data source you look at. Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion (the three credit bureaus) each publish their own findings, and they don't always match. FICO and VantageScore are the two main scoring models, and they weight factors differently, so a single person can have different scores from each one.

Key Takeaways

  • The median credit score in the U.S. is approximately 715, meaning half of Americans score above this and half below.
  • Credit scores range from 300 to 850, and lenders typically consider scores above 670 as "good" and above 740 as "very good," though thresholds vary by lender.
  • Your score depends on payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), credit mix (10%), and new credit inquiries (10%).
  • Scores vary by age, income, and region — younger adults and those with lower incomes tend to have lower average scores.

How credit scores break down by range

Most lenders use these rough bands to make lending decisions, though each lender sets their own cutoffs. A score of 300–579 is typically considered poor, and you may face rejection or very high interest rates. Scores from 580–669 are fair — you might get approved but at higher rates. Scores from 670–739 are good, and most mainstream lenders will work with you. Scores of 740 and above are very good to excellent, and you'll see the best rates available.

The difference between a 650 score and a 750 score can mean thousands of dollars over the life of a mortgage or car loan. A person with a 750 score might get a mortgage rate 1–2 percentage points lower than someone with a 650 score, which compounds significantly over 15 or 30 years.

Why the average varies by age and income

Younger adults (under 30) typically have lower average scores than those over 40, partly because they have shorter credit histories. Credit history length makes up 15% of your FICO score, so someone who opened their first credit card at 25 will have a shorter track record than someone who did so at 18, all else equal.

Income also correlates with credit scores, though income itself doesn't appear in the score calculation. People with higher incomes tend to have higher scores because they're more likely to pay bills on time and carry lower balances relative to their credit limits. Regional differences exist too — some states have median scores 20–30 points higher or lower than the national median, often reflecting local economic conditions and cost of living.

What actually goes into your score

Payment history (35% of your score) is the single largest factor. Missing payments, even by a few days, can lower your score. Late payments stay on your credit report for seven years, though their impact fades over time.

Amounts owed (30%) looks at how much you owe across all accounts relative to your credit limits — called your utilization ratio. Owing $2,000 on a $10,000 limit (20% utilization) helps your score more than owing $8,000 on the same limit (80% utilization).

Length of credit history (15%) rewards you for keeping accounts open over time. Closing old credit cards can hurt this factor. Credit mix (10%) means having different types of credit — credit cards, installment loans, mortgages — shows you can manage different kinds of debt. New credit inquiries (10%) tracks how often you've recently applied for new credit, since multiple applications in a short time can signal financial stress.

FICO versus VantageScore: which number matters

FICO scores are used by roughly 90% of lenders in the U.S., so that's the number that matters most when you're applying for a mortgage, car loan, or credit card. VantageScore is used less often but is becoming more common, especially among alternative lenders and for monitoring purposes.

The two models weight factors slightly differently. VantageScore gives more weight to recent payment behavior and less weight to length of credit history than FICO does. This means you might have a FICO score of 680 and a VantageScore of 710 — both are real, but the FICO score is what most lenders will see. When you check your own credit for free through services like Credit Karma or AnnualCreditReport.com, you're usually seeing VantageScore, not FICO.

How to find out what your actual score is

You're may have access to to one free credit report per year from each of the three bureaus through AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official government site. That report shows your payment history and accounts but doesn't include your actual score number.

To see your score, you can use free services like Credit Karma, NerdWallet, or your bank's credit monitoring tool — these show VantageScore. If you want your FICO score specifically, some credit card companies (Discover, American Express, Chase) provide it free to cardholders. You can also buy your FICO score directly from myfico.com for around $20, though this is rarely necessary unless you're about to apply for a major loan.

What to do if your score is below average

If your score is below 715, you have concrete steps to improve it. The fastest wins come from reducing what you owe relative to your limits — paying down credit card balances can raise your score by 10–50 points within a month or two. Making all payments on time going forward is the second priority; even one late payment can drop your score 50–100 points, but the damage fades over time.

Avoid closing old credit cards, even if you're not using them, because that shrinks your available credit and can raise your utilization ratio. Don't apply for multiple new credit accounts in a short period, as each application triggers a hard inquiry that temporarily lowers your score. If you have errors on your credit report, you can dispute them for free through the bureau's website or through a dispute letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 700 a good credit score?

A 700 score is slightly below the median and falls into the "good" range for most lenders. You'll likely be approved for credit cards and loans, though you may not get the absolute best interest rates. Raising it to 740+ would open access to better terms.

What's considered a bad credit score?

Scores below 580 are typically considered poor or bad. At this level, many mainstream lenders will decline you, and those who approve you will charge significantly higher interest rates. Secured credit cards or credit-builder loans are common next steps.

Can my credit score change quickly?

Yes. Paying down a large credit card balance can raise your score 10–50 points within weeks. A single late payment can drop it 50–100 points immediately. Scores update monthly when your lenders report to the bureaus, so changes are visible fairly quickly.

Does checking my own credit score hurt it?

No. Checking your own score is a "soft inquiry" and doesn't affect your score at all. Only hard inquiries from lenders (when you apply for credit) impact your score, and only temporarily.

Why do I have three different credit scores?

You have three scores because each of the three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) maintains its own file on you, and lenders may report to one, two, or all three. Additionally, FICO and VantageScore calculate scores differently, so the same bureau data produces different numbers depending on the model used.