Credit Scores » Credit Score Ranges

Credit Score Ranges

Introduction to Credit Score Ranges

As you probably know, your credit reputation has a credit score associated with it.  Credit scores generally range from 350 (which is a very low credit score) to 850 (which is an excellent credit score).  The scores and ranges depend on which scoring model generated the score (there’s a difference between a “FICO score” and an Experian score, for example).

Since FICO scores are the standard, and are the numbers that are generally used by lenders to evaluate your credit, we’ll use FICO scores in our credit score range example. 

Score Ranges	How Lenders Will View These Scores
720-850:	These are good to excellent credit scores.  Lenders see you as a moderate to low risk, and are more likely to give you a competitive interest rate on loans they provide. The higher your score, the better the rates you will enjoy, so credit repair can pay off (particularly if your score is below 810).
620-719:	These are fair to good credit scores.  In this credit score range, you will be considered a fair to good risk, but interest rates on loans will be higher.  You should work to improve your score by paying your bills on time, reducing your debt, and removing any negative items from your credit report.
350-619:	Sorry, these are bad to poor credit scores (don’t feel bad—Millions of Americans have bad to poor credit scores).  In this credit score range, you will have difficulty obtaining credit cards, lines of credits, or loans you need for a new car, a home, etc.  Improving your credit score should be an urgent priority.