What Is a Good Credit Score? FICO Score Ranges Explained
By Jorge Sanchez · April 20, 2026 · 5 min read
Bottom line: A score of 670+ is "good." 740+ is "very good" — that's where you get the best mortgage and auto loan rates. A 760+ score almost never gets you a better rate, so focus on 740–760 as your target.
FICO Score Ranges
| Score Range | Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 800–850 | Exceptional | Lowest rates, instant approvals |
| 740–799 | Very Good | Near-best rates on everything |
| 670–739 | Good | Approved for most loans, decent rates |
| 580–669 | Fair | Higher rates, some denials |
| 300–579 | Poor | Difficulty getting approved |
What a Credit Score Costs You in Real Dollars
On a $300,000 30-year mortgage (2026 approximate rates):
| FICO Score | Rate (est.) | Monthly Payment | Total Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 760–850 | 6.8% | $1,954 | $403,000 |
| 700–759 | 7.0% | $1,996 | $419,000 |
| 680–699 | 7.2% | $2,038 | $434,000 |
| 620–679 | 7.6% | $2,123 | $464,000 |
The difference between a 760 and 620 score: $61,000 in extra interest on a single mortgage.
What Makes Up Your FICO Score
| Factor | Weight | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Payment History | 35% | Never miss a payment — set autopay |
| Credit Utilization | 30% | Keep utilization below 10% for best scores |
| Length of History | 15% | Keep old accounts open (even unused) |
| Credit Mix | 10% | Have both installment and revolving credit |
| New Credit | 10% | Limit hard inquiries (1–2/year max) |
How to Improve Your Score Fast
- Pay down credit card balances. Getting utilization from 50% to under 10% can add 50–100 points within 30 days.
- Set up autopay. One late payment can drop your score 60–110 points.
- Don't close old cards. Closing a card reduces your available credit and increases utilization.
- Dispute errors. 1 in 5 Americans has an error on their credit report — check for free at annualcreditreport.com.
- Become an authorized user. Being added to a trusted person's old account with a good history can boost your score quickly.
Debt Payoff Calculator
The fastest way to improve your credit score is to pay down credit card debt. See your payoff date and interest savings.
Calculate Debt Payoff →Jorge Sanchez · Live Event Production Specialist · CalQpro