Credit score ranges are labels for risk. Knowing where the lines fall helps you set a realistic target.
Quick summary
- FICO groups scores into five bands, from poor (below 580) to exceptional (800 and above).
- VantageScore uses its own bands on the same 300 to 850 scale.
- A higher score usually means more approvals and lower interest rates, but lenders set their own cutoffs.
- Moving up a band takes time, mostly through on-time payments and lower balances.
A credit score is a three-digit estimate of how likely you are to repay borrowed money on time. The higher the number, the lower the risk in a lender’s eyes. Ranges put labels on those numbers.
FICO score ranges
| FICO score | Band |
|---|---|
| 800 and above | Exceptional |
| 740 to 799 | Very good |
| 670 to 739 | Good |
| 580 to 669 | Fair |
| Below 580 | Poor |
VantageScore ranges
VantageScore 3.0 and 4.0 use the same 300 to 850 scale but draw the lines differently:
| VantageScore | Band |
|---|---|
| 781 to 850 | Excellent |
| 661 to 780 | Good |
| 601 to 660 | Fair |
| 500 to 600 | Poor |
| 300 to 499 | Very poor |
So the same person might be “good” on one scale and “fair” on another. Our guide to FICO vs. VantageScore explains why the numbers differ.
What the ranges mean in practice
Lenders set their own approval rules, so there’s no universal cutoff. In general:
- Exceptional and very good: usually access to the most competitive offers.
- Good: approval for most mainstream credit, though not always at the lowest rate.
- Fair: more limited choice and higher rates.
- Poor: approvals are harder, and secured or credit-builder products may be the realistic starting point.
Worth knowing
Your score isn’t the only thing lenders consider. Income, existing debts and your debt-to-income ratio also count, especially for larger loans.
What moves you between bands
FICO lists five factors and their approximate weights: payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit (10%) and credit mix (10%). On-time payments and lower card balances do most of the work.
Quick tip
If you’re close to a band boundary before a big application, paying card balances down before your statement dates can lift your score within a billing cycle or two. See credit utilization.
Setting a realistic target
Aim for the next band up rather than a perfect score. Check your free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com, fix errors, pay on time and keep balances low. If late payments are holding you back, our guide to late payments on your credit report explains how their effect fades.
Reader questions
Is 700 a good credit score?
On the FICO scale, 700 falls in the good range of 670 to 739. Many lenders will approve applicants in that range, though the best rates often go to higher scores.
Can I have a perfect 850?
Yes, but it’s rarely necessary. Above roughly the very good range, extra points usually make little difference to the rates you’re offered.
Why did my score drop when I didn’t do anything?
Scores change when the information on your report changes, such as a higher reported balance or an old account closing.
This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Scoring models, lender policies and laws change, and state rules vary. Check official sources such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission, and consider a nonprofit credit counselor for help with your own situation.