A good credit score is typically 670 to 739, depending on which scoring model the lender uses.

Most lenders in the United States use one of two scoring systems: FICO Score or VantageScore. FICO, which is older and more widely used, divides credit into five ranges. A score of 670 to 739 falls into the "good" category — above "fair" (580 to 669) but below "very good" (740 to 799) and "excellent" (800 and above). VantageScore uses a similar structure, placing 661 to 780 in the "good" range.

The reason the ranges matter is that lenders use them to decide whether to lend to you and what interest rate to charge. A score in the "good" range usually means you will be approved for most loans and credit cards, though you may not get the lowest interest rates available. Those lowest rates typically go to people with scores of 740 or higher.

Your actual score can vary between credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each maintain their own file on you — and between scoring models. A lender might see a different number than you do when you check your own score online. This happens because lenders sometimes use older versions of the FICO model, or because the bureaus update their data at different times.

Key Takeaways

  • FICO scores of 670 to 739 are considered good; VantageScore places good credit at 661 to 780.
  • A good score usually means lenders will approve you for loans and credit cards, but you may not receive the lowest available interest rates.
  • Your score can differ between the three major credit bureaus and between different scoring models, so checking your own score may not match what a lender sees.
  • Moving from good credit (670–739) to very good credit (740–799) can lower your interest rates significantly on mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards.

How lenders use credit score ranges

Lenders do not treat all good scores the same. A score of 670 sits at the bottom of the good range and carries more risk in a lender's eyes than a score of 739. Someone at 670 might face a higher interest rate or stricter terms than someone at 739, even though both are technically in the "good" category.

Banks, credit card companies, and mortgage lenders each set their own cutoffs. One lender might require a minimum of 650 to approve a personal loan, while another requires 680. Some lenders care more about your score; others weight your income, employment history, or the amount you already owe more heavily. This is why the same score can result in approval from one lender and denial from another.

The difference between good and very good credit

Moving from a good score (670–739) to a very good score (740–799) can save you real money on interest. On a 30-year mortgage, the difference between a 670 score and a 740 score can mean paying tens of thousands of dollars more in interest over the life of the loan. On a car loan or credit card, the gap is smaller but still significant.

The jump from good to very good usually requires paying down debt, fixing errors on your credit report, or simply letting time pass if you have had recent late payments. There is no single action that moves your score; it is a combination of factors: payment history (35 percent of your FICO score), amounts owed (30 percent), length of credit history (15 percent), credit mix (10 percent), and new credit inquiries (10 percent).

What counts as poor, fair, and excellent credit

Credit scores below 580 are considered poor. Lenders often deny loans outright at this level, or charge very high interest rates. If you have a poor score, many mainstream lenders will not work with you; you may be limited to credit unions, online lenders, or secured credit cards.

Fair credit (580–669) sits between poor and good. You can get approved for loans and credit cards in this range, but interest rates will be higher than they would be for someone with good or very good credit. Many people in the fair range are working to improve their score by paying bills on time and reducing debt.

Excellent credit (800 and above) is rare. It requires years of on-time payments, low debt relative to your credit limits, and a long credit history with no negative marks. People with excellent scores receive the lowest interest rates and the best terms lenders offer.

Why your score might differ from what lenders see

Credit bureaus update your file continuously, but not all at the same time. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each receive reports from lenders and creditors on their own schedule. A late payment might show up at one bureau weeks before it appears at another. This means your score can legitimately be different at each bureau on the same day.

Lenders also use different versions of the FICO scoring model. The most recent version is FICO 10T, but many lenders still use FICO 8 or earlier versions. Each version weighs the same factors slightly differently, so your score under FICO 8 might be 710 while your score under FICO 10T is 695. When you check your score online through a free service, you are often seeing a different model than the one a lender will use.

For this reason, the score you see when you check your credit is a useful reference point but not a may provide of what a lender will see. If you are applying for a mortgage or another major loan, ask the lender which bureau and which scoring model they use, so you can check your score the same way they will.

How to improve a score in the good range

If your score is 670 to 739 and you want to move into the very good range, the fastest levers are usually paying down existing debt and making sure every payment is on time. Paying down debt lowers your credit utilization ratio — the amount you owe divided by your total credit limits. Lenders prefer to see this ratio below 30 percent.

On-time payments matter most. A single late payment can drop your score by 100 points or more, and the damage lasts for years. If you have missed payments in the past, the impact fades over time, especially if your recent payment history is clean. Older negative marks hurt less than recent ones.

Avoid opening new credit accounts unless necessary. Each new account triggers a hard inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score. If you are planning to apply for a mortgage or car loan, space out credit applications by at least a few months so inquiries do not pile up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 670 a good credit score?

Yes, 670 is at the lower end of the good range on the FICO scale. You will likely be approved for most loans and credit cards, but you may not receive the lowest interest rates. Lenders sometimes treat scores at 670 differently than scores at 739, even though both are "good."

What score do I need to get a mortgage?

Most mortgage lenders require a minimum score of 620, though some require 640 or higher. Scores of 740 and above typically may have access to for the best interest rates. Your score is only one factor; lenders also consider your income, debt-to-income ratio, and down payment amount.

Does checking my credit score lower it?

Checking your own credit score does not lower it. Only hard inquiries from lenders — when you apply for credit — affect your score. Checking your own score is a soft inquiry and has no impact.

Can I get a credit card with a 680 score?

Yes, most credit card issuers will approve you with a 680 score. You may not may have access to for cards with the best rewards or lowest interest rates, but mainstream cards are usually available. Some issuers specialize in good-credit applicants and may offer better terms than others.

How long does it take to move from good to very good credit?

There is no fixed timeline. If you pay down debt and make all payments on time, you might see improvement within a few months. If you have recent late payments or high debt, it may take a year or more. Credit scoring models update monthly, so changes happen gradually rather than all at once.