What is the average credit score in the US?

The average FICO Score in the United States is approximately 717 as of 2026, which falls in the Good tier. Credit scores tend to be higher among older age groups — consumers aged 60 and older average around 748, while those aged 20 to 29 average around 660.

What credit score do you need to buy a house?

Most conventional mortgages require a minimum credit score of 620. FHA loans allow scores as low as 500 with a 10% down payment, or 580 with 3.5% down. The best mortgage rates go to borrowers with scores of 740 or higher. On a $300,000 30-year mortgage, that difference can save $30,000 to $80,000 in total interest.

Does checking your credit score lower it?

No. Checking your own credit score is a soft inquiry and has zero impact on your score. You can check it as often as you like through free services like Credit Karma, Experian, or your credit card issuer. Only hard inquiries from a lender can lower your score, typically by 5 to 10 points.

What is a good credit score for a credit card?

Most standard rewards credit cards require a score of 670 or higher. Premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Amex Gold typically require 700 plus, with better approval odds at 740 plus. Student and secured cards are designed for those with limited or poor credit.

Credit Score Guide 2026: Ranges, Factors and How Lenders Use It

Your credit score is a three-digit number between 300 and 850. Lenders use it to decide whether to approve your application and at what interest rate.

Credit Score Ranges 2026

Score Range	Tier	What It Means
800-850	Exceptional	Best rates on all products; instant approvals
740-799	Very Good	Near-best rates; approved for premium cards
670-739	Good	Approved for most cards and loans at standard rates
580-669	Fair	Higher rates; may require secured products
300-579	Poor	Limited to secured cards; high deposits required

The Five FICO Score Factors

Factor	Weight	Key Driver
Payment history	35%	On-time payments across all accounts
Amounts owed (utilization)	30%	Balances divided by total credit limits
Length of credit history	15%	Age of oldest, newest, and average account
Credit mix	10%	Mix of revolving (cards) and installment (loans)
New credit	10%	Hard inquiries and recently opened accounts

All Credit Score Guides

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.

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