Credit Score Ranges: What 300 to 850 Really Means
Credit scores range from 300 to 850. The two scores lenders use most — FICO and VantageScore — both use this scale and group it into bands from "poor" to "exceptional." Where you land determines whether you're approved and what interest rate you pay.
FICO score ranges
- 800–850 — Exceptional
- 740–799 — Very good
- 670–739 — Good
- 580–669 — Fair
- 300–579 — Poor
VantageScore ranges
- 781–850 — Excellent
- 661–780 — Good
- 601–660 — Fair
- 500–600 — Poor
- 300–499 — Very poor
Why the bands matter
Lenders price risk in tiers. Moving from "fair" to "good," or "good" to "very good," can drop your interest rate meaningfully — the difference between bands is often worth more than a few points within one. That's why a focused push to cross the next threshold pays off. See what counts as a good score and what moves your number.
Knowing where you stand
Your score isn't one fixed number — it varies by bureau and model. CreditVana Premium lets you compare Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion scores together to understand the wider range.
Frequently asked questions
What is the range of credit scores?
Both FICO and VantageScore run from 300 to 850. Higher is better, and lenders group the scale into bands from poor to exceptional.
What is the lowest credit score?
The lowest possible FICO or VantageScore is 300, though very few people score that low. Most people with limited or damaged credit fall in the 500s to low 600s.
What credit score do most people have?
The average U.S. FICO score is in the low-to-mid 700s, placing most people in the "good" to "very good" range.