Credit Score Ranges Explained
FICO scores run from 300 to 850. Each tier carries different implications for the rates and products you can access. Here's the complete breakdown.
FICO Score Tiers
300 ←————————————————————————→ 850
Exceptional (800–850)
21% of consumersBest available interest rates. Lenders compete for your business. Auto approval on most premium products.
Products: Best credit cards, lowest mortgage rates, 0% APR offers
Very Good (740–799)
25% of consumersNear-best rates. Rarely declined for mainstream credit products. Small margin vs exceptional.
Products: Premium rewards cards, competitive mortgages, excellent auto rates
Good (670–739)
21% of consumersAt or above national average. Most credit products available. Rates slightly above the best.
Products: Most credit cards, standard mortgages, good auto loans
Fair (580–669)
18% of consumersSubprime territory. Higher rates. Some products unavailable or require secured versions.
Products: Secured cards, subprime auto loans, FHA mortgages (580+)
Poor (300–579)
15% of consumersSignificant credit damage. Credit rebuilding required. Secured products and credit-builder loans.
Products: Secured credit cards, credit-builder loans, rent-reporting services
What Causes Scores to Fall in Each Range
Scores aren't arbitrary — they reflect specific credit behaviors. Consumers in the exceptional range typically have accounts open for 10+ years, zero missed payments in the past 7 years, utilization below 10%, and a mix of credit types.
Consumers in the poor range typically have one or more of: recent bankruptcy, multiple collections, frequent late payments, maxed-out credit cards, or very new credit files with limited history.
How Score Ranges Affect Interest Rates
| Score Range | 30-Year Mortgage APR | Auto Loan APR | Credit Card APR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 760–850 | ~6.4% | ~5.2% | ~18% |
| 700–759 | ~6.6% | ~6.5% | ~20% |
| 680–699 | ~6.8% | ~8.0% | ~22% |
| 660–679 | ~7.1% | ~10.5% | ~24% |
| 640–659 | ~7.5% | ~13.0% | ~26% |
| 620–639 | ~8.1% | ~15.0% | ~28% |
Rates are approximate and vary by lender, loan size, and market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lowest possible credit score?
The lowest possible FICO score is 300. However, it's extremely rare to have a score this low. It typically requires multiple recent defaults, maxed-out credit, and collections.
What is the highest credit score possible?
The highest FICO score is 850, representing a perfect score. Approximately 1.5% of Americans achieve this. A score of 800+ is considered exceptional and qualifies for the same rates as 850.
What credit score do you need for a credit card?
Basic credit cards are available for all score ranges, including secured cards for poor credit (below 580). Rewards cards typically require good credit (670+), and premium travel cards often require 720+.
Is 750 a good credit score?
Yes, 750 is in the 'very good' range (740–799). At this level, you'll qualify for excellent rates on mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards. It's above the national average of approximately 718.