What is a good credit score?

On the standard 300–850 FICO scale, a score of 670–739 is 'Good,' 740–799 is 'Very Good,' and 800+ is 'Exceptional.' Scores below 580 are 'Poor' and limit financing options; 580–669 is 'Fair.'

FICO credit score ranges

myFICO defines five standard FICO score ranges on the 300–850 scale:

Exceptional: 800–850 — Top tier. Qualifies for the best rates and terms across all credit products. Less than 20% of consumers reach this range.
Very Good: 740–799 — Prime credit. Access to virtually all mainstream credit products at competitive rates. Roughly 25% of consumers.
Good: 670–739 — Near-prime to prime. Approved for most credit products; rates may not be best-in-market. Approximately 21% of consumers.
Fair: 580–669 — Subprime. Access to credit is limited; rates are higher. Secured cards, credit unions, and some online lenders remain available.
Poor: 300–579 — Deep subprime. Most traditional credit products unavailable. Secured cards, credit-builder loans, and co-signers are the primary options.

What each range unlocks

Score thresholds and their practical lending implications:

580+: Most secured credit card approvals; FHA mortgage (with 3.5% down); some credit union personal loans.
620+: Conventional mortgage qualification begins (though rates improve substantially above this); most auto loan products.
670+: Competitive personal loan rates; mainstream unsecured credit card approvals; better auto loan rates.
700+: Most business financing products include personal FICO above 700 as a positive signal; best personal loan rates.
740+: Best mortgage rates; highest credit card limits; premium rewards cards.
800+: Best available rates across virtually all consumer credit products; easiest approvals.

Average U.S. credit score

The average FICO Score in the U.S. was 717 in 2024, per myFICO's analysis of Experian data. This places the average American in the 'Good' range — meaning most consumers are a moderate improvement away from 'Very Good' (740+), which unlocks meaningfully better rates on mortgages, auto loans, and personal financing.

VantageScore ranges vs. FICO ranges

VantageScore 3.0 and 4.0 also use a 300–850 scale but define ranges slightly differently: 781–850 (Excellent), 661–780 (Good), 601–660 (Fair), 500–600 (Poor), 300–499 (Very Poor). Since over 90% of U.S. lenders use FICO in credit decisions, the FICO ranges above are the most relevant benchmarks.

Business financing and personal credit scores

Personal FICO remains a key input in small business financing decisions, particularly for businesses under 2 years old that lack a separate business credit history. Most non-bank business lenders approve above 500–550 FICO with strong revenue; SBA 7(a) loans typically require 640–680+ owner FICO; bank business loans typically require 680+ owner FICO. See what credit score you need for a business loan for the complete breakdown.

Sources

FICO defines five credit score ranges: Exceptional (800–850), Very Good (740–799), Good (670–739), Fair (580–669), Poor (300–579) — on the standard 300–850 scale. — myFICO — Credit Score Ranges
The average FICO Score in the U.S. was 717 in 2024, placing the typical American consumer in the 'Good' range. — myFICO / Experian Data
The CFPB provides consumer education on credit score ranges and their impact on credit product access — including how scores affect mortgage, auto loan, and credit card approvals. — CFPB — Credit Reports and Scores
FICO scores are used in over 90% of U.S. lending decisions — making the FICO range definitions the most relevant benchmarks for consumers planning a major financing application. — myFICO

Key takeaways

FICO ranges: Poor (300–579), Fair (580–669), Good (670–739), Very Good (740–799), Exceptional (800–850).
Average U.S. FICO was 717 in 2024 — 'Good' range, 23 points from 'Very Good.'
740+ unlocks best mortgage rates and premium credit card access; 670+ covers most mainstream credit.
Small business financing: 500+ FICO opens most non-bank options; 640–680+ for SBA; 680+ for bank loans.
See How to Improve Your Credit Score for a plan to move up the range ladder.