FICO and VantageScore both run from 300 to 850. A good FICO Score is 670 or higher; a good VantageScore is 661 or higher. On-time payments, low utilization and keeping older cards open and active may help you move up a range.
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Your credit score is a three-digit number, but what really matters is which range it falls in. Lenders use credit score ranges to sort applicants into tiers, and moving from one tier to the next can be the difference between an approval and a denial, or a good interest rate and a great one.
Here's a clear breakdown of FICO and VantageScore credit score ranges, what counts as a good credit score, why your score can look different from one app to the next, and the habits that may help you move up.
Credit score ranges at a glance
The two most widely used scoring models, FICO and VantageScore, both run from 300 to 850 in their current base versions. Higher is better. But the two models draw the lines between categories in slightly different places:
| Rating | FICO Score | VantageScore 3.0 / 4.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Exceptional / Excellent | 800–850 | 781–850 |
| Very good | 740–799 | — |
| Good | 670–739 | 661–780 |
| Fair | 580–669 | 601–660 |
| Poor | 300–579 | 500–600 |
| Very poor | — | 300–499 |
Sources: FICO ranges as published by Experian; VantageScore ranges as published by Chase and Capital One.
FICO score ranges explained
FICO Scores are the ones most lenders use for credit decisions. Here's what each tier generally means:
- Exceptional (800–850): The top tier. You'll typically qualify for the best rates and offers available.
- Very good (740–799): Lenders see you as a very low risk. Rates are usually close to the best available.
- Good (670–739): Solid credit. Most lenders consider you an acceptable borrower, though the best offers may require a higher score.
- Fair (580–669): Often considered subprime. You may still qualify for credit, but expect higher rates and fewer options.
- Poor (300–579): Approval for new credit can be difficult. Secured cards and credit-builder products are common starting points.
Keep in mind there are many versions of the FICO Score, including industry-specific versions for auto loans and credit cards that use a wider range. The base scores above are the ones you'll see most often.
VantageScore ranges explained
VantageScore was created by the three major credit bureaus, and its 3.0 and 4.0 models are widely used in free credit monitoring apps. It uses five tiers: excellent (781–850), good (661–780), fair (601–660), poor (500–600) and very poor (300–499).
The biggest difference is the size of the "good" band. A VantageScore of 665 is good, while a FICO Score of 665 is still fair. That's one reason the same person can look like they're in different tiers depending on which score they're viewing.
What is a good credit score?
A good FICO Score is 670 or higher, and a good VantageScore is 661 or higher. Scores of 740 and above (FICO) are generally where the most competitive offers start.
If you're there, you have plenty of company. According to Experian, 71% of Americans have a FICO Score 8 in the good range or better.
Remember that "good" is a guideline, not a guarantee. Each lender sets its own standards, and your income, existing debt and the type of credit you're applying for also matter.
Why your credit score is different in different places
It's normal to see one score in your banking app, another on a credit monitoring site and a third when a lender pulls your credit. A few reasons:
- Different models. FICO and VantageScore weigh information differently, and each has several versions.
- Different bureaus. Equifax, Experian and TransUnion may not have identical information, since not every lender reports to all three.
- Different timing. Your score changes as new balances and payments are reported, usually once a month per account. A score pulled last week may already be out of date.
Rather than chasing one exact number, watch the trend and which range you're in.
What goes into your FICO Score
FICO Scores are built from five categories of information on your credit report:
- Payment history: 35%
- Amounts owed (including credit utilization): 30%
- Length of credit history: 15%
- New credit: 10%
- Credit mix: 10%
Payment history and amounts owed together make up nearly two-thirds of the score, which is why on-time payments and low balances matter so much. For the full breakdown, see What Hurts Your Credit Score? The 5 FICO Factors Explained.
How to move up a credit score range
There's no instant fix, but these habits may help your score climb over time:
Pay every bill on time
Payment history is the single biggest factor. Setting autopay for the full statement balance on every card helps make sure you never miss a due date.
Keep your credit utilization low
Try to keep your balances well below your limits, ideally under 10% overall. Our guide to credit utilization explains how to calculate it and lower it.
Keep older cards open and active
Your old cards add to your total available credit and the length of your credit history. Closing them, or letting an issuer close them for inactivity, can work against both. Here's how closing a card can affect your credit.
Apply for new credit sparingly
Each application can mean a hard inquiry, and several new accounts in a short period can lower your average account age.
Check your credit reports for errors
Mistakes happen. If you find an account that isn't yours or a payment wrongly marked late, dispute it with the bureau reporting it.
If you're still building credit, How to Build Credit With a Credit Card walks through a simple routine.
An easy way to protect the cards that help your score
Unused cards are easy to forget, and issuers can close them for inactivity, sometimes without warning. That can raise your utilization and eventually shorten your credit history. Credicated keeps each card active with a tiny recurring charge:
Pair each plan with autopay, and every card shows regular activity and on-time payments, the same habits that may help your score over time. See how it works.
Frequently asked questions
Is 700 a good credit score?
Yes. A 700 falls in the good range for both FICO (670–739) and VantageScore (661–780).
What is the highest credit score?
850 is the top of the base FICO and VantageScore scales. You don't need a perfect score to get excellent offers; scores in the very good or exceptional range typically qualify for the best terms.
Is 650 a bad credit score?
It depends on the model. A 650 is fair on both the FICO and VantageScore scales. It isn't poor, but it may mean higher rates or fewer options than a score in the good range.
Why is my score different on my bank app and a lender's report?
You're likely seeing different scoring models, different bureau data or scores calculated on different dates. That's normal.
Does checking my own credit score lower it?
No. Checking your own score or report is a soft inquiry, which doesn't affect your score. Only hard inquiries, which happen when you apply for new credit, can have a small, temporary effect. Checking regularly is a good habit, since it helps you spot errors and track which range you're in.
How fast can I move up a range?
It varies. Paying down balances can be reflected as soon as the lower balances are reported, while rebuilding payment history takes longer. Consistent habits matter most.
This article is for general educational purposes and isn't financial advice. Credit scoring models and lender requirements vary. Credicated is not affiliated with FICO, VantageScore, Experian, Chase or Capital One.
Rather than chasing one exact number, watch the trend and which range you're in.