What Is a Good Credit Score? FICO & VantageScore Ranges Explained
What counts as a good credit score? See the FICO and VantageScore ranges, what each band means for approvals and rates, and how to move up a tier.
Most credit scores run from 300 to 850, but the cutoffs for “good,” “fair,” and “poor” aren’t obvious. Here’s what the numbers actually mean.
The score ranges
The two scores most lenders use — FICO and VantageScore — both run from 300 to 850. The bands are similar:
| Range | Tier | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 800–850 | Exceptional | The best rates and terms; easy approvals. |
| 740–799 | Very good | Above-average; you qualify for strong offers. |
| 670–739 | Good | Near or above the U.S. average; most approvals. |
| 580–669 | Fair | Below average; approvals possible but pricier. |
| 300–579 | Poor | Hard to qualify; secured products help rebuild. |
A score of 670 or above is generally considered “good,” and that’s a realistic first target if you’re rebuilding.
Why your score is different everywhere
You don’t have one score. FICO and VantageScore use different formulas, there are multiple versions of each, and each pulls from a specific bureau. A 20–40 point spread between sources is normal — focus on the trend, not one number.
What moves you up a tier
The same fundamentals drive every score: payment history (the biggest factor), credit utilization, the age of your accounts, your mix of credit types, and recent inquiries. Paying on time and keeping balances low does the heavy lifting.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good credit score?
Generally, a FICO or VantageScore of 670 or higher is considered good, 740+ is very good, and 800+ is exceptional. Below 580 is considered poor.
Why do I have more than one credit score?
FICO and VantageScore use different formulas, each has multiple versions, and each score is based on data from a specific bureau. That’s why the same person can have several different scores at once.
What credit score do I need to rebuild toward first?
A realistic first milestone is 670, the start of the ‘good’ range, which opens up far more approvals and better rates. You reach it mainly through on-time payments and low credit utilization.