Credit Score Ranges Breakdown
| Score Range | Rating | US Population (approx.) | Typical Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300–579 | Poor | ~16% | Secured cards, high-rate subprime loans only |
| 580–669 | Fair | ~18% | Some unsecured cards, higher interest rates |
| 670–739 | Good | ~22% | Most cards and loans at reasonable rates |
| 740–799 | Very Good | ~29% | Best rates on most products |
| 800–850 | Exceptional | ~21% | Best rates and terms on everything |
Source: Experian State of Credit report, 2024. Population percentages are approximate. FICO Score 8 ranges.
What Each Range Means for You
300–579 (Poor). At this level, most mainstream lenders will decline applications. You'll likely need a secured credit card or credit-builder loan to start rebuilding. Some landlords and employers also check credit — a poor score can affect housing and job applications in some states.
580–669 (Fair). You'll qualify for some unsecured credit cards and personal loans, but typically at high interest rates. FHA mortgage loans may be available, but conventional mortgage approval will be difficult. This range is where building credit becomes most impactful — moving into the "good" range opens significantly better options.
670–739 (Good). Most credit products are available, including decent rewards credit cards and conventional mortgages. Interest rates will be reasonable, though not the lowest offered. This is where most Americans sit, and it represents a solid financial foundation.
740–799 (Very Good). You'll qualify for the best rates at most lenders. Premium rewards cards become accessible. Mortgage lenders will offer their most competitive rates. The difference in interest savings between this range and the "good" range is meaningful over large, long-term loans.
800–850 (Exceptional). Every mainstream lender's best product and rates are available. The practical difference between 800 and 850 is minimal — most lenders treat the top tier as a single group. The focus at this level shifts from "how do I qualify?" to "which product fits my needs?"
How Your Score Affects Mortgage Rates
This is where credit scores have their biggest financial impact for most people. The rate difference between a fair and an excellent score on a mortgage can be substantial.
| FICO Score | Typical 30-yr Rate | Monthly Payment ($300k loan) | Total Interest Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 620–639 | ~8.2% | ~$2,252 | ~$511,000 |
| 640–659 | ~7.8% | ~$2,166 | ~$480,000 |
| 660–679 | ~7.4% | ~$2,082 | ~$449,000 |
| 700–719 | ~7.0% | ~$1,996 | ~$419,000 |
| 760–850 | ~6.6% | ~$1,918 | ~$390,000 |
Illustrative rates based on typical spread patterns. Actual rates vary by lender, loan type, and market conditions. Figures rounded for clarity.
The difference between a 620 score and a 760 score on a $300,000 mortgage is roughly $334 per month — or about $120,000 over 30 years in extra interest paid. That's a clear illustration of why credit scores matter beyond just getting approved.
FICO vs VantageScore
Two main scoring models dominate the market. Both use the 300–850 scale, but they weigh factors differently and treat thin credit files differently.
FICO Score is used in approximately 90% of lending decisions. It requires at least one account open for 6 months and at least one account reported within the past 6 months to generate a score. FICO 8 is the most widely used version, though lenders may use other versions (FICO 9, FICO 10).
VantageScore can generate a score with as little as one month of credit history and one account reported in the past 24 months. This makes it more accessible for people new to credit. It's used in many free monitoring services (Credit Karma, for example, shows your VantageScore). Because lenders predominantly use FICO, your VantageScore may be meaningfully different from what a lender sees.
How to Check Your Score for Free
- AnnualCreditReport.com: Free credit reports from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). Reports are free — note this is your report, not necessarily your score.
- Your bank or credit card issuer: Most major banks now show your FICO score for free in their app or online portal. Chase, Citi, Discover, and many others offer this.
- Experian: Free FICO Score 8 monitoring at experian.com.
- Credit Karma: Free VantageScore from both Equifax and TransUnion. Remember this is VantageScore, not FICO.
Credit Score Equivalents in the UK, India, and Canada
UK — Experian, Equifax, TransUnion: Each bureau uses its own scale. Experian's UK scale runs 0–999, where 721–880 is "good" and 881+ is "excellent." Equifax UK uses 0–1000, where 420–465 is "good." TransUnion UK uses 0–710, where 566–603 is "good." Because scales differ, comparing scores between bureaus directly doesn't work — context matters. Check your reports via Experian, Equifax UK, or Credit Karma UK (TransUnion).
India — CIBIL Score: India's primary credit score is the CIBIL Score, ranging from 300–900. A score of 750 or above is generally considered good and will qualify you for most credit products at competitive rates. Below 650 makes approval difficult. You can check your CIBIL score free once a year at cibil.com. Equifax and Experian also provide credit scores in India.
Canada — Equifax and TransUnion: Canadian credit scores range from 300–900. A score above 660 is generally considered good, and above 725 is very good. The factors are identical to the US FICO model — payment history and utilisation dominate. Free score monitoring is available through Credit Karma Canada (TransUnion) and Borrowell (Equifax).