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Your credit score is a three-digit number. It tells lenders how likely you are to repay debt. A higher score means better loan rates, better credit card approvals, and sometimes even better insurance rates.
Here is how credit scores work in 2026 — and what each range means for you.
FICO Score Ranges Explained
| Score Range | Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 800–850 | Exceptional | Best rates on everything. Instant approvals. |
| 740–799 | Very Good | Near-best rates. Easy approvals. |
| 670–739 | Good | Most loans approved. Decent rates. |
| 580–669 | Fair | Some approvals. Higher rates. |
| 300–579 | Poor | Few approvals. Highest rates or denial. |
What Is a Good Credit Score?
FICO considers 670 and above to be “good.” Most lenders agree. With a score in the 670–739 range, you can get approved for most credit cards and loans. You will not always get the lowest rate, but you will qualify.
A score of 740 or above is “very good.” At this level, you get near the best rates available. Many people at this level qualify for the best credit card offers.
To reach “exceptional” at 800+, you need a long, clean credit history. Very few missed payments. Low credit utilization. And a mix of different account types.
VantageScore vs FICO
Most lenders use FICO. But some use VantageScore. The ranges are similar. Both go from 300 to 850. VantageScore uses the same data from your credit report. The main difference is in how they weigh certain factors.
| VantageScore Range | Rating |
|---|---|
| 781–850 | Excellent |
| 661–780 | Good |
| 601–660 | Fair |
| 500–600 | Poor |
| 300–499 | Very Poor |
What Each Range Means for You
800–850: Exceptional
You qualify for the lowest interest rates. You get approved quickly. Lenders compete for your business. This range is the goal for most people.
740–799: Very Good
You get almost the same treatment as the 800+ group. Rates may be slightly higher, but not by much. You can still get premium credit cards and the best mortgage rates.
670–739: Good
You will get approved for most products. Your rates will be reasonable. This is where most Americans fall. It is a solid place to be.
580–669: Fair
You can still get approved for some loans and credit cards. But you will pay more. You may also need to put down a larger deposit or pay a higher insurance premium.
300–579: Poor
Getting approved is hard. When you do, rates are very high. The best move is to focus on building credit before applying for new products.
How to Improve Your Credit Score
- Pay every bill on time
- Keep credit card balances low
- Do not close old accounts
- Limit new credit applications
For a full plan, read our guide on how to improve your credit score in 2026. If you are starting from zero, see how to build credit from scratch in 6 months. To start building with a card, look at the best secured credit cards for building credit in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a good credit score in 2026?
FICO considers 670–739 to be a good credit score. A score of 740 or above is very good, and 800 or above is exceptional.
What is the average credit score in the US?
The average FICO score in the US is around 714, which falls in the ‘good’ range. Most Americans are in a solid credit position.
What credit score do you need for a credit card?
Basic credit cards are available with a score as low as 580–620. Rewards cards and premium cards typically require 670 or above.
Can I check my credit score for free?
Yes. You can check your credit score for free through services like Credit Karma, Experian, or through many credit card issuers. Free checks do not hurt your score.
How long does it take to get from poor to good credit?
With consistent on-time payments and low balances, you may see meaningful improvement in 6–12 months. Going from poor to good credit typically takes 1–2 years.