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Credit score ranges

Credit Score Ranges Explained: What Your Number Means

Understand common FICO credit score ranges from poor to exceptional and how lenders use scores alongside the rest of your application.

By Del Morgan · Updated September 30, 2026 · Educational information, not individualized financial, legal or lending advice

Quick answer: For commonly used FICO Scores, 300–579 is poor, 580–669 fair, 670–739 good, 740–799 very good and 800–850 exceptional. These labels are guides—not promises of approval, pricing or a particular lender decision.

The common FICO ranges

RangeCommon labelPlanning takeaway
300–579PoorFocus on accuracy, current payments and costly debt.
580–669FairApproval may be possible, but terms can be expensive.
670–739GoodOften competitive, subject to the full application.
740–799Very goodMay qualify for stronger pricing.
800–850ExceptionalStrong profile, though approval is never guaranteed.

Why scores can differ

You can have many scores at the same time. FICO and VantageScore versions weigh data differently, each bureau may hold different information, and mortgage or auto lenders may use industry-specific models. Compare scores only when the model, version, bureau and date are the same.

What usually affects a score

Payment history and amounts owed are major FICO categories, followed by length of history, new credit and credit mix. The exact formula is proprietary. A single action does not produce the same point change for every file.

Use ranges for planning, not identity

A range can help you decide when to apply or what to improve, but it does not measure financial worth. Lenders also review affordability, income, debts, reserves and recent events.

Move up responsibly

Correct real errors, pay on time, lower high card balances and limit applications. Avoid services that promise a new credit identity, guaranteed deletions or an exact point gain.

Continue with credit score ranges, credit bureau disputes, mortgage score requirements and what to know before paying for credit repair.

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Monitor the range—not just one number

SmartCredit offers monitoring and planning tools that may help you follow credit information and understand changes over time.

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