Whether you're buying a home, refinancing, or planning for future financial goals, understanding credit scores can be incredibly valuable. Knowing what constitutes a good credit score isn’t just for financial experts—it's an essential part of managing personal finances. Let’s dive into what makes up a credit score, the numbers that define “good” credit, and strategies to maintain or improve your score.
What Is a Credit Score?
Your credit score is a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness or how likely you are to repay debt. In the United States, credit scores range from 300 to 850 and are calculated based on factors in your credit history. Scores can impact everything from loan approvals and credit limits to interest rates and even certain job applications. Understanding what affects your score and aiming for a “good” score can be a smart financial move that saves you money and increases financial opportunities.
Components of a Good Credit Score
To understand what qualifies as a “good” credit score, it’s important to know the factors that contribute to it. Two primary credit scoring models—FICO and VantageScore—are commonly used. While each model may weigh these factors differently, both generally consider the following five key components:
Payment History (35% of FICO Score):
Payment history has the most significant impact on your credit score. Lenders want to see that you reliably pay your bills on time, as late or missed payments can negatively affect your score.
Credit Utilization (30% of FICO Score):
This measures the amount of credit you’re using compared to your total available credit. Ideally, it’s best to use less than 30% of your available credit.
Length of Credit History (15% of FICO Score):
The longer your accounts have been open, the better. A well-established credit history can indicate stability and reliability.
Types of Credit Used (10% of FICO Score):
A diverse mix of credit accounts, like credit cards, installment loans, and a mortgage, can positively impact your score, as it shows you can manage multiple types of debt.
Recent Credit Inquiries (10% of FICO Score):
Each time you apply for credit, it can lead to a “hard inquiry,” which may temporarily lower your score. Frequent inquiries may suggest a riskier borrower profile.
What Do FICO and VantageScore Mean?
The two main credit scoring models, FICO and VantageScore, each produce a score between 300 and 850. Both consider similar factors, though with slight differences in their weighting. Most lenders use the FICO score for decisions like mortgages or credit card approvals, while VantageScore may be more common for personal loans or rental applications.
How Good Is a Credit Score of 715?
According to the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO), credit scores can be grouped into the following ranges:
- 300 to 579 – Poor
- 580 to 669 – Fair
- 670 to 739 – Good
- 740 to 799 – Very Good
- 800 to 850 – Exceptional
A credit score of 715 falls into the “good” category. With a score in this range, you’re likely to qualify for favorable loan terms and interest rates. Though not the highest category, a good credit score can provide access to mortgages, car loans, and other credit products with competitive rates. Having a good credit score also offers other benefits, such as negotiating power when it comes to rates and a stronger position when renting property or securing certain types of insurance.
Why Aim for a Good or Higher Credit Score?
Having a “good” credit score can unlock various financial opportunities and potentially save you thousands of dollars in interest. For example, with a good credit score, you may receive:
- Lower Interest Rates: Lenders often offer better interest rates to borrowers with good credit scores, especially for significant loans like mortgages and car loans.
- Higher Credit Limits: Lenders may approve higher credit limits for people with good credit scores, providing more flexibility.
- More Product Options: With good credit, you can qualify for a broader range of financial products, including credit cards with rewards, competitive loans, and special financing.
- Leverage in Negotiations: Good credit can give you more negotiating power, particularly in high-cost areas like California where mortgages and real estate are competitive.
What About Bad or Fair Credit?
While “bad” or “fair” credit scores don’t eliminate all financial opportunities, they can result in higher interest rates, lower credit limits, and fewer available products. In some cases, having a lower credit score may mean paying additional deposits on utilities or insurance policies. If your score is lower than you’d like, don’t worry! There are strategies you can use to improve your credit over time.
Strategies for Maintaining a Good Credit Score
Building and maintaining a strong credit score takes time, dedication, and consistent habits. Here are key strategies that can help you not only keep your score in good standing but potentially improve it over time.
Pay Bills on Time, Every Time
Payment history is the single largest factor in your credit score, making up 35% of your FICO score. Paying bills on time shows lenders that you’re reliable and responsible with your finances. Setting up automatic payments or calendar reminders can make it easier to avoid late or missed payments, which could negatively impact your score. Even one late payment can drop your score significantly, so consistency is key.
Keep Your Balances Low
Credit utilization—how much credit you’re using compared to your total credit limit—accounts for about 30% of your score. Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit on each account to show lenders that you can manage credit responsibly without relying heavily on it. If possible, paying off your balance in full each month can also help you avoid interest charges and maintain a low utilization rate.
Limit Hard Credit Inquiries
Each time you apply for new credit, it can result in a “hard inquiry” on your credit report, which may temporarily lower your score. Multiple hard inquiries in a short time can make you look like a riskier borrower, so try to apply for new credit only when it’s truly necessary. Most hard inquiries stay on your report for up to two years, but their impact on your score decreases over time.
Check Your Credit Report Regularly
Errors on credit reports are more common than you might think, and they can have a significant impact on your score. Regularly reviewing your credit report can help you catch mistakes early, like incorrectly reported late payments or accounts that don’t belong to you. Disputing these errors with the credit bureau can result in corrections that positively affect your score. Plus, monitoring your report can help you track your credit improvement over time and keep you motivated.
Build a Long Credit History
The length of your credit history is another important factor in your score. Keeping older accounts open, even if you don’t use them often, can strengthen your credit age and history. Your oldest accounts are the most valuable, as a well-aged account indicates long-term credit responsibility. Just make sure to monitor any old accounts for activity to avoid potential identity theft or unexpected fees.
Diversify Your Types of Credit
A mix of credit types, such as credit cards, installment loans, and retail accounts, can positively impact your score. Lenders see a variety of credit types as a sign that you can manage different kinds of debt responsibly. This factor only makes up about 10% of your score, but it can still help you demonstrate financial versatility to potential lenders.
Looking for more ways to boost your credit score? Check out our 5 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score blog for actionable steps to build a strong financial foundation.
Factors Outside of Credit Scores That Lenders Consider
Though credit scores are crucial, they aren’t the only factor lenders look at when evaluating applications. Here are a few other elements that can play a role in credit decisions:
- Income: Lenders want to see that you have a steady income to repay the loan. A higher income can often lead to more favorable loan terms.
- Employment History: A stable employment history can increase your chances of approval, especially for larger loans like mortgages.
- Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: This measures how much of your monthly income goes toward debt payments. Lenders usually prefer a DTI of 43% or lower, as it indicates you can manage your monthly expenses alongside new credit obligations.
How to Check Your Credit Score for Free
You’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three main credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—once per year through AnnualCreditReport.com. These reports don’t typically include your score, but many banks, credit card companies, and online services offer free credit score tracking. Regularly checking your score can help you understand your credit position and take early action if something unexpected appears.
Frequently Asked Questions About Credit Scores
1. How long does it take to improve a credit score?
The time it takes depends on various factors, such as the actions you’re taking to improve your score and your credit history. While some positive changes, like paying down debt, may impact your score within a month, building or rebuilding credit is generally a longer-term process.
2. Will closing a credit card help my score?
Not necessarily. Closing a credit card can reduce your available credit, which may increase your credit utilization ratio and potentially lower your score. However, in cases of high-fee cards you don’t use, closing an account can sometimes be beneficial.
3. How does a mortgage impact my credit score?
Initially, applying for a mortgage may lead to a slight dip due to a hard inquiry. Once the mortgage is in place, making consistent, on-time payments can help your score improve over time and show future lenders that you are a responsible borrower.
4. Does checking my credit score lower it?
No, checking your own credit score (a “soft inquiry”) does not affect your score. Only hard inquiries made when applying for new credit can lower your score slightly.
In Conclusion
To recap, a good credit score typically falls between 670 and 799 according to the FICO model, and maintaining a score in this range offers several financial advantages. Whether your goal is to buy a home, refinance, or access better loan terms, a good credit score can be a powerful tool. Remember, credit scores aren’t static—they change over time as you develop better habits, address outstanding debts, or increase your credit history.
Building and maintaining good credit takes time and effort, but the rewards—like access to better loan options, lower interest rates, and increased financial flexibility—are well worth it. By following sound credit practices and staying proactive about your financial health, you can make your credit score work for you and open doors to new financial opportunities.