A good credit score is 670 to 739 on the FICO scale (300–850). The average American score in 2026 is 715 — solidly in the good range. But lenders offer their best rates at 740 or higher, and anything above 760 unlocks the best available pricing on virtually every loan type.
FICO credit score ranges — 2026
FICO scores run from 300 to 850 and are used by 90% of top lenders. Here's what each tier means and roughly what percentage of Americans fall into it:
What your credit score actually costs you — real numbers
The difference between a good and excellent score isn't abstract — it's dollars. Here's what the same $350,000 mortgage costs across credit tiers in 2026. Use our mortgage calculator to run your own numbers.
$350,000 30-year mortgage — rate and cost by credit score
| Credit score | Rate | Monthly payment | Total interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 760+ | 6.15% | $2,133 | $417,880 |
| 700–759 | 6.63% | $2,240 | $456,400 |
| 660–699 | 7.10% | $2,350 | $496,000 |
| 620–659 | 7.72% | $2,505 | $551,800 |
The gap between a 620 and a 760 credit score on a $350,000 mortgage is $372 per month and $133,920 over 30 years — on the exact same home. That's the real price of a lower credit score.
$35,000 auto loan (60 months) — by credit score tier
| Credit score | Typical APR | Monthly payment | Total interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 720+ (Super prime) | 5.5% | $670 | $5,200 |
| 660–719 (Prime) | 7.5% | $701 | $7,060 |
| 620–659 (Near prime) | 11% | $761 | $10,660 |
| 580–619 (Subprime) | 16% | $852 | $16,120 |
The subprime borrower pays over $10,000 more than the super-prime borrower on the exact same car. Use our auto loan calculator to see what your rate tier means for your specific vehicle.
What makes up your credit score
FICO scores are calculated from five factors. Knowing the weights helps you prioritize what to fix first:
How to improve your credit score — fastest moves first
Not all credit-building actions are equal. Here's what actually moves the needle quickly:
- Pay down credit card balances — getting utilization below 30% can add 30–50 points in 30–60 days. Below 10% is even better. People with 800+ scores average about 6% utilization.
- Dispute errors on your credit report — errors are more common than most people realize and correcting one can add 20–100+ points in 30 days. Check free at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Never miss a payment — set up autopay for at least the minimum on every account.
- Don't close old accounts — closing a card reduces available credit and shortens your credit history, both of which hurt your score.
- Avoid applying for new credit before a major loan — each hard inquiry can drop your score 5–10 points. Wait until after you've secured your mortgage or auto loan.
If you're carrying high credit card balances, our credit card payoff calculator can show you exactly how long it'll take to pay them down — which is one of the fastest ways to improve your score. If you're juggling multiple debts, the debt payoff calculator can help you prioritize.
Good vs excellent — is it worth the effort?
The practical answer: yes, up to about 760. Once you're above 760–780, you've unlocked the best available rates on virtually every loan type. The difference between a 780 and an 850 is minimal for most financial products — chasing a perfect score beyond that point has little financial return.
The most impactful jump is from fair (580–669) to good (670–739) — that's where you gain access to conventional loans, significantly lower rates, and much better credit card offers. If you're buying a home, see our full guide to credit scores for home buying for the specific thresholds that matter for mortgages.
See how your credit score affects your loan payment
Enter any rate into our calculators to see exactly what your credit score tier means for your monthly payment.
Mortgage Calculator → Personal Loan →Common questions
What is a good credit score?
670 to 739 on the FICO scale is considered good. The average American score in 2026 is 715. However, lenders offer their best rates at 740 or higher — that's the real target worth aiming for.
What is considered an excellent credit score?
800 or above is exceptional. In practical terms, 760 or above unlocks the best available rates. There's little financial benefit to pushing beyond 780 — the rates don't get meaningfully better.
What credit score do I need to buy a car?
Most lenders approve auto loans starting around 500–600, but the best rates require 720 or higher. See our auto loan calculator to compare what different rates cost you monthly.
How long does it take to build a good credit score?
Building from scratch takes 6–12 months. Moving from fair to good takes 3–6 months of consistent on-time payments and lower utilization. Good to excellent takes 1–2 years.
What factors affect my credit score the most?
Payment history (35%) and credit utilization (30%) together make up 65% of your score. Paying on time and keeping balances low are the two most impactful habits. Use our credit card payoff calculator to build a plan for reducing balances.