Credit Score Ranges Explained
What the numbers 300–850 mean: poor, fair, good, very good, and exceptional.
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A credit score isn't just a number — it's a key that unlocks (or locks) specific financial products at specific prices. Here's what each range means in practice.
FICO Score Ranges
| Range | Category | What Lenders Think |
|---|---|---|
| 800–850 | Exceptional | Best available rates; automatic approvals at most lenders |
| 740–799 | Very Good | Near-best rates; minor premium over top tier |
| 670–739 | Good | Approved for most products; standard market rates |
| 580–669 | Fair | Subprime rates; may require down payment or co-signer |
| 300–579 | Poor | Most mainstream lenders decline; secured products only |
What Each Range Means in Real Money
Score ranges directly translate to interest rate tiers. On a $300,000 30-year mortgage, the difference between a 760 FICO (roughly 6.5% rate) and a 620 FICO (roughly 8.0% rate) is approximately $290/month — about $104,000 over the life of the loan.
For a $30,000 auto loan over 60 months, the difference between excellent (720+) and subprime (580–619) rates can exceed $5,000 in total interest paid.
The 740 Threshold
Most mortgage lenders price in tiers, and 740 is the most important breakpoint. Borrowers above 740 typically qualify for the best available pricing. Between 700–739, you'll pay a slight premium. Below 700, premiums increase meaningfully.
If you're planning a mortgage in the next 6–12 months and your score is 720–739, it's worth a few months of focused effort to push above 740.
The 670 Threshold
670 is roughly the line between "prime" and "subprime" in most lenders' models. Above 670, you'll qualify for most mainstream credit cards and personal loans at market rates. Below 670, expect higher APRs, lower credit limits, and more declinations.
Credit Card Approvals by Score
- 750+: Premium rewards cards (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, etc.)
- 700–749: Most mid-tier rewards cards
- 670–699: Entry-level rewards cards; some cash-back cards
- 580–669: Capital One Platinum, Discover it Secured, some store cards
- Below 580: Secured cards with deposit; credit-builder products
How Fast Can You Move Up a Tier?
Moving from Fair (620) to Good (670) typically takes 12–24 months of consistent positive behavior: on-time payments, reduced utilization, no new derogatory marks. Moving from Good (700) to Very Good (750) can happen in 6–12 months if you pay down revolving debt aggressively. The highest tier (800+) largely requires time — a long history of zero late payments and low utilization.
Use our Credit Score Simulator to model specific scenarios, or see How to Improve Your Credit Score for actionable next steps.
Educational content only. This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal, tax, or personal financial advice. Results vary. Laws and bureau processes change. Consult the CFPB, FTC, and AnnualCreditReport.com for authoritative guidance. Full disclaimer
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