Credit Trends

Trends by Age

Based on our data, there is clearly a relationship between age and average credit scores. Generally speaking, younger individuals will have lower credits scores on average.

There is a very good technical reason for this phenomenon. The length of your credit history is a factor that goes into the credit score calculation. Since younger individuals will have shorter credit history, they will tend to have a lower credit score all else equal.

The depth of your credit is probably lower with younger individuals as well. The combination of the two effects lead to the lower averages for younger people.

Keep in mind the chart does not mean you can't have high credit if you are young. It just points out the correlations and averages. There are dozens of factors that affect credit scores. Being aware of all the factors is important to being a well informed consumer.

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USER COMMENTS(99)

1poohbutt
May 4
7:36 pm

I am 44 and my score is 520 how do I raise this score up ... what should I do at this point..

ericksaltos
Apr 23
3:53 pm

TO yashsharma91 :

YES INDEED IT HELPS TO HAVE A LINE OF YOUR OWN. IS GOING TO HURT YOUR POCKET AT THE BEGINNING BUT TRUST ME IT WILL HELP YOU A LOT AFTERWARD.

jughead1986
Apr 22
6:30 am

Main thing to focus on is DTI (debt to income). You figure this by taking your gross monthly income (income before taxes) and after totaling all expenses (gas, utilities, vehicle main., car payment, groceries, etc.) divide the balance of the bills against the gross income. DO NOT go over 60% per month. If you stay under the 60% per month you should be fine. Additionally, If you use this rule before getting a new loan/credit card then you can better gauge the actual payability of the bill on your part. If it increase your DTI to 80% then there is a strong chance something WILL go into default. Keep this in mind.

peladito
Apr 20
12:00 pm

Excellent website

kweeb
Apr 8
8:15 am

Yeah, you can definitely have a good credit score at a young age. I'm 19 and my CK score is 753. My best advice is to get a credit card the day you turn 18, pay the balances off in full, and apply for a better card. Just make sure you pay your bills on time.

sandykid20
Apr 7
6:04 am

to SAVORY: It is possible.. but not sure. You already have such a high score, I dont think it would bring up your score. In the case of someone who has a low score, it would because it opens up more credit and the debt to ratio goes down. Thus, bumping up the score. my advice is to not activate those cards. your interest rate will not be any lower with a score of 800 vs your score of 772

terrell2504
Apr 4
7:33 am

Hi i Am 20 years old and just had to file chapter 7 can any one give advice on rebuild?

gummybear
Mar 30
8:02 pm

im 19 and my credit score is 694 is that a good score for my age ?

mrjames0180
Mar 26
11:02 am

WELL I JUST TURNED 18 AND MY SCORE IS 503 I KNOW THAT IS LOW CAN ANY ONE TELL ME OR RECONMENED TO AN CARD THAT WILL INCREASE MY CREDIT SCORE??

CK Moderator

Check out Orchard Bank. It has lots of great reviews from users.

yashsharma91
Mar 23
3:58 pm

Hi, I am 22 and recently got a credit card, around 7 months back. I have been paying it in full since then and current score is 685, although it was 650-660 a month back, is this because of the recent payment I made on my credit card. Can anyone suggest how can I improve my score, I know I dont have much history, but any suggestions? My limit is only 500$ till now and back says that they dont consider increase unless you've had the card for 1 year. Does anyone know any good cards to improve the history. Also does it help to have a monthly mobile phone connection in your name. I am using one but in friends' name to avoid initial deposit, please guide. Thanks, and an awesome site.