Average Credit Score

This guide explains what the average credit score in the U.S. is, how to find your own score, and how you can use this information to improve your financial health. Understanding where you stand compared to the national average is the first step toward qualifying for better loans, credit cards, and interest rates. We'll walk you through checking your score safely and interpreting what it means for you.

Fast Answer

U.S. Average FICO Score: Around 717 (varies slightly by year)
U.S. Average VantageScore: Around 700 (varies slightly by year)
Where to Check Yours: Free at AnnualCreditReport.com

15 Minutes Time needed

Easy Difficulty

Unofficial sources Watch out for

Before You Start

Personal Information: You will need your full name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity when checking your credit.
Secure Internet Connection: Always use a private, secure Wi-Fi network when entering sensitive personal data online. Avoid public Wi-Fi at cafes or airports.
Knowledge of Scoring Models: Be aware that there are two main credit scoring models, FICO and VantageScore. Your score might differ slightly between them. Most lenders use a FICO score.

Check first: Only use government-authorized or reputable financial websites to check your credit. The only federally authorized site for free credit reports is AnnualCreditReport.com. Be wary of impostor sites with similar names that try to sell you unnecessary services.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Understand What a Credit Score Is

A credit score is a three-digit number, typically between 300 and 850, that predicts how likely you are to pay back a loan on time. It's created by credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) based on information in your credit report. Lenders use this score to decide whether to approve you for a credit card or loan and what interest rate to offer you. A higher score means you are seen as a lower risk, which usually leads to better borrowing options.

Think of it like a grade for your financial habits. Just as a good grade in school shows you understand a subject, a good credit score shows lenders you manage debt responsibly.

Learn the Standard Credit Score Ranges

Scores are grouped into categories to help lenders quickly assess your creditworthiness. While the exact numbers can vary slightly, the most common FICO Score ranges are generally accepted as the standard:

Exceptional: 800 - 850
Very Good: 740 - 799
Good: 670 - 739
Fair: 580 - 669
Poor: 300 - 579

The "average" American credit score typically falls into the Good range. Knowing these ranges helps you understand where your score places you and what you should aim for.

Find the Current National Average Credit Score

The average credit score in the United States changes over time based on the overall economic climate and consumer behavior. Major credit bureaus and scoring companies like FICO and Experian release reports on these trends. As of the most recent data, the average FICO score in the U.S. is around 717.

This average also varies by age group. For example, older individuals who have had more time to build a positive credit history often have higher average scores than younger people who are just starting out. It's helpful to compare yourself not just to the national average, but also to the average for your age demographic to get a more accurate picture of where you stand.

Tip: Search online for the "Experian State of Credit report" or "average FICO score" to find the most up-to-date national and state-level data published by the credit bureaus.

Check Your Own Credit Score and Report for Free

You have several ways to check your credit score and report without paying. The most reliable method is through the official, government-mandated website.

Navigate to AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the only official source for your free weekly credit reports from all three major bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
Follow the instructions to request your reports. You'll need to provide your personal information for verification.
Many banks, credit unions, and credit card issuers also provide free access to your credit score (usually FICO) as a customer benefit. Check your account dashboard or monthly statement online.

Reviewing your full credit report is just as important as seeing the score itself. The report shows the history that leads to your score, including all your accounts, payment history, and any negative marks.

Analyze How Your Score Compares to the Average

Once you have your score, compare it to the national average (around 717) and the score ranges listed in Step 2.

If your score is above average: Congratulations! You are likely in a strong position to qualify for competitive interest rates on mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards. Your goal should be to maintain your good habits.
If your score is at or near the average: You are in a good position but have room for improvement. Small changes could move you into the "Very Good" category, unlocking even better financial products.
If your score is below average: Don't panic. This is a clear signal to focus on building your credit. A lower-than-average score can make borrowing more expensive or difficult, but it is fixable. The next steps will help you identify why it's low and how to improve it.

Identify the Key Factors Impacting Your Score

Your credit score is calculated based on five main factors, each with a different weight. Look at your credit report to see how you're doing in each area. Understanding these is the key to improving your score.

Payment History (35% of score): This is the most important factor. Late payments, bankruptcies, or accounts in collections will significantly lower your score.
Amounts Owed (30% of score): This relates to your credit utilization—how much of your available credit you are using. Using a high percentage of your credit limit can hurt your score.
Length of Credit History (15% of score): A longer history of responsible credit management is better. This includes the age of your oldest account and the average age of all your accounts.
Credit Mix (10% of score): Lenders like to see that you can responsibly manage different types of credit, such as credit cards (revolving credit) and auto loans or mortgages (installment loans).
New Credit (10% of score): This looks at how many new accounts you've opened recently and how many hard inquiries are on your report. Opening too many accounts in a short period can be a red flag.

Check for errors: Carefully review your credit report for any mistakes, such as accounts that aren't yours or incorrect late payment records. Disputing errors with the credit bureaus can quickly raise your score.

Quick Reference

Credit Score Factor	What It Means	How to Improve It
Payment History	Paying your bills on time.	Always pay at least the minimum amount due by the due date. Set up automatic payments to avoid forgetting.
Amounts Owed	How much debt you have, especially on credit cards.	Keep your credit card balances low. A good rule of thumb is to use less than 30% of your total credit limit.
Length of History	How long your credit accounts have been open.	Keep your oldest credit card accounts open and active, even if you don't use them often.
Credit Mix	The variety of credit types you have.	Having both revolving credit (like credit cards) and installment loans (like a car loan) can help your score over time.
New Credit	How often you apply for new credit.	Avoid applying for multiple credit cards or loans in a short period. Each application can cause a small, temporary dip in your score.

Common Problems When You Check Your Average Credit Score

Even though the process is straightforward, you might run into a few common issues. Here’s how to handle them.

Problem: Your score is much lower than you expected.
This often happens because of a high credit card balance reported that month or a missed payment you forgot about. Check your credit report for any late payments or high utilization ratios. Also, check for errors, like a late payment that you actually paid on time. If you find an error, dispute it with the credit bureau immediately.
Problem: You don't have a credit score at all.
This is called having a "thin file" or being "credit invisible." It usually means you have fewer than a few credit accounts or haven't used credit in the last six months. To build a score, you may need to open a secured credit card or become an authorized user on a family member's credit card.
Problem: Your score is different on different websites.
This is normal. There are three different credit bureaus, and your report might be slightly different at each. More importantly, you may be seeing a score from a different model (e.g., VantageScore vs. FICO) or a score designed for a specific industry (like an auto score or insurance score). Focus on the general range and the trends over time rather than the exact number.

Advanced Tips for a Higher-Than-Average Credit Score

Once you've mastered the basics, you can use these strategies to push your score into the "Very Good" or "Exceptional" range.

Aim for Under 10% Credit Utilization: While the standard advice is to keep your credit utilization below 30%, people with the highest scores often keep it below 10%. You can achieve this by paying your balance in full each month or even making payments before your statement closing date.
Become an Authorized User: If you have a trusted family member with a long history of on-time payments and a high credit limit, ask to be added as an authorized user on their account. Their positive history can be added to your credit report, which can boost your score, especially if you have a short credit history.
Ask for a Credit Limit Increase: If you've been responsible with your credit card, call your issuer and request a higher credit limit. If approved, this will instantly lower your overall credit utilization ratio, which can help your score. Just be sure not to increase your spending along with your new limit.

Average Credit Score FAQ

What is a good credit score to buy a house?

For a conventional mortgage, most lenders look for a minimum credit score of 620. However, to get the best interest rates, a score of 740 or higher is recommended. Government-backed loans like FHA loans may have more lenient requirements.

Does checking my own credit score lower it?

No. When you check your own score or report, it's considered a "soft inquiry," which does not affect your score at all. A "hard inquiry" occurs when a lender checks your credit after you apply for a loan, and this can cause a small, temporary dip in your score.

How often should I check my credit score?

It's a good idea to check your credit score at least once every few months and review your full credit report from all three bureaus at least once a year. This helps you track your progress and catch any potential errors or fraudulent activity early.

How long does it take to improve my credit score?

The time it takes depends on what's hurting your score. Simple actions like paying down a high credit card balance can improve your score within a month or two. More serious issues, like late payments or collections, can take much longer. A late payment stays on your report for seven years, but its impact lessens over time.

Final Checklist for Average Credit Score

Use this final checklist to make sure you have a full understanding of the average credit score and your own financial standing.

Know the National Average: Understand that the average FICO score in the U.S. is a benchmark, typically in the "Good" range (around 717).
Check Your Own Score: You've successfully pulled your credit score and report from a reputable source like AnnualCreditReport.com or your bank.
Review Your Credit Report: You've scanned your report for errors, familiar accounts, and negative marks that could be lowering your score.
Understand the Key Factors: You know that on-time payments and low credit card balances are the two most powerful ways to build a great score.
Make a Plan: You have identified at least one or two actions you can take, whether it's setting up auto-pay, paying down debt, or keeping an old account open to improve your credit over time.