Your guide to credit score ranges

Credit score ranges are categories used by lenders to quickly assess your credit based on your three-digit credit score, which usually fall between 300 and 850. Credit scores are typically categorized as poor, fair, good or excellent.

Knowing your range matters because your score can be an important factor to determine if you’re approved for a mortgage, auto loan or credit card, and it directly influences the interest rates you’ll pay.

Keep in mind that you have many different credit scores, and each provides a slightly different snapshot of your finances. Credit Karma provides free VantageScore 3.0 credit scores and reports from two of the major credit bureaus: TransUnion and Equifax that you can check daily. 

We’ll review different credit score ranges and what they mean, including common scoring models.

• What credit score ranges mean for you
• VantageScore 3.0® credit score ranges
• FICO® credit score ranges
• How are credit scores calculated?
• How can I improve my credit score?
• FAQs about credit score ranges

What credit score ranges mean for you

Where your credit scores fall within a credit score range can have a big impact on your financial options. This is especially true if your scores fall in the lower ranges, which can indicate that you’re a high-risk borrower, or if your scores fall in the higher ranges, which can indicate that you’re a low-risk borrower. 

Here’s more information about what common credit score ranges mean. Remember, while credit scores are important, they aren’t the only information lenders consider. They also may factor in data such as your income, employment and economic conditions.  

Poor (300 to low-600s)

You may struggle to get approved for unsecured credit cards or loans. If approved, you likely won’t be offered the most favorable interest rates. You might have better luck starting with a secured credit card.

Fair (high 500s to mid-600s) 

You likely have access to more than just secured options, but you may still be limited in the types of financial products you qualify for or the interest rate you pay. Make sure to shop around and compare options among lenders. 

Good (mid-600s to mid-700s) 

You are more likely to be approved for a variety of financial products and should compare options among different lenders. However, you still might not qualify for the very best terms.

Very Good and Excellent (above mid-700s): 

Borrowers with top credit scores are the least likely to have applications denied based solely on credit. They are also the most likely to be offered the lowest interest rates and have more flexibility with repayment terms.

VantageScore 3.0 credit score ranges

VantageScore was developed by the three major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. These are the credit scores you will see on Credit Karma.

FICO® credit score ranges

FICO is a common credit scoring company that has dozens of different scoring versions, including base consumer scores and industry-specific scores for auto lenders and credit card issuers.

FICO® Score 8 and 9 consumer score ranges

FICO industry-specific score ranges

FICO® Auto Scores and Bankcard Score ranges are based on a scale of 250 to 900 instead of the base scale of 350 to 850. The rating categories for these scoring versions vary, but may look like this:

How are credit scores calculated?

Credit scores are calculated by applying mathematical algorithms to the information in your credit reports. Since that information can vary among reports, your scores can differ, too. 

The five key credit score factors that usually influence your scores are: 

• Payment history: This is the most influential factor, accounting for approximately 35% to 40% of your score. It shows whether you consistently pay your bills on time.
• Amount owed (credit utilization): This factor measures how much of your credit you’re using compared to your total credit limit across all accounts. Experts often recommend keeping your credit utilization rate at less than 30% for better credit scores. 
• Length of credit history: This considers how long your credit accounts have been open and in good standing. Generally, a longer credit history is better for your score.
• Credit mix: Lenders like to see that you can handle different types of credit, such as a mix of credit cards and installment loans.
• Recent credit applications: When you apply for new credit, lenders perform a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your scores. Many hard inquiries in a short period of time can indicate a financial squeeze. 

How can I improve my credit score?

Improving your credit score range is a gradual process that involves consistent financial habits. To start building those good habits, you can:

• Pay all bills on time. Since payment history is typically the largest contributor to your scores, make sure every payment is made by the due date.
• Reduce credit card balances. Lowering your total debt in relation to your credit limits can improve your credit utilization ratio and boost your scores.
• Check for errors. Regularly monitoring your reports can help you identify inaccuracies that might be dragging your score down. If you find any, you can dispute the errors and have them removed from your report.
• Build your credit history. Credit scores are about tracking credit behaviors over time. By keeping your accounts in good standing and practicing good credit-building habits, you’re more likely to build a positive credit history in the long run. 

Learn more tips for improving your credit scores.

Next steps: Monitor your credit

Regularly monitoring your credit is a smart way to stay in control of your financial health. 

Credit Karma provides free credit reports and VantageScore 3.0 credit scores from TransUnion and Equifax, allowing members to track changes and trends in their credit over time. 

By focusing on the areas that matter most like making on-time payments and keeping your balances low, you can make steady progress toward achieving a higher credit score range.