What is a good credit score in the US?
A “good” credit score in the US is usually around the mid-to-high 600s or higher, but what counts as good depends on the lender and the scoring model. You can check what “good” means for you today—often for free.
Most lenders consider a “good” US credit score to start around the 670s, but what matters is your lender’s requirements and improving your credit over time—without anyone promising guaranteed results.
The direct answer: what counts as “good”
In general, many lenders treat FICO and similar scoring ranges like this:
- Poor: under 580
- Fair: 580–669
- Good: 670–739
- Very good: 740–799
- Excellent: 800+
Some lenders use different models (for example, VantageScore vs. FICO), so the exact number can vary. The safest way is to look at your score and then ask what score range the specific lender wants.
If you’re new or rebuilding, try not to focus only on one number. Credit scores are based on what’s in your credit file (like payment history and how much you owe), and scores can move over time.
- No single number is “good” for every lender.
Why “good” can mean different things
Credit scores are not one universal score. Different credit bureaus and scoring models may produce different results from the same credit history.
Also, lenders care about more than just the score. They may look at things like how long you’ve had credit, whether you have late payments, and whether you’re using a lot of your available credit.
For a newcomer to the US credit system, the goal is often simpler: build a record of on-time payments and keep balances manageable, then review progress over a few months.
- Different models can give different scores, even with the same credit history.
What affects your score (in plain language)
Most credit scores look at a few main areas:
- Payment history (on-time vs. late payments)
- Amounts owed (how much you owe, especially compared to your limits)
- Length of credit history (how long accounts have been open)
- New credit (recent applications and new accounts)
- Credit mix (having different types of accounts, like credit cards and loans)
You can learn more about how credit scores work here: How credit scores work.
The key point: scores are usually not fixed overnight. Even when you take the right steps, changes in your credit file take time to show up and be reflected in your score.
- Improvement usually takes time, not a quick fix.
What you can do today (free DIY options)
You can check your credit and spot problems without paying anyone.
- Get your credit reports for free and review them for accuracy.
- If you see an error (like a wrong account, wrong balance, or incorrect late payment), you can dispute it yourself at no cost.
- Keep notes of what you disputed and the results.
If you want a starting point, read How to build or rebuild credit and use the steps that fit your situation.
Important: under the law, you can also dispute errors directly with the credit bureaus when the information is inaccurate. This is your right—no lawyer and no credit-repair company required.
Can someone “guarantee” a good score?
Be careful with companies that promise guaranteed score increases or that they can “remove all negatives.” Nobody can truthfully guarantee results, because outcomes depend on what’s in your credit file and how it changes over time.
Also watch for scams. A legitimate provider should never ask you to dispute true information, create a “new credit identity,” or pay for “upfront credit repair” promises that sound too good to be real.
If you’re thinking about help, Credit Footing is a FREE matching service that can connect you with a credit-repair or nonprofit credit-counseling provider—but we do not repair credit ourselves and we do not guarantee outcomes. The best results come from doing the right steps consistently and making sure your credit file is accurate.
- No one can guarantee a specific score or score-point boost.
Using “good score” as a goal that fits you
A practical goal is to aim for the next milestone, not perfection. For example, moving from “fair” toward “good,” then toward “very good,” can open more options.
To make progress more realistic:
- Focus on on-time payments first
- Keep credit card balances relatively low compared to your limits
- Avoid unnecessary new applications in a short time
- Check your reports regularly for errors
If you want help finding a provider to work with (free to you), you can choose to get matched here: Get matched. Matching is optional, and you should still keep your own rights in mind—especially the free DIY report and dispute option.
- Small, consistent improvements are usually more effective than searching for a quick fix.
Common questions
Is a 700 credit score good in the US?
Yes—around 700 is typically considered “good” or better in many common credit score ranges. That said, different lenders may have different minimums and scoring models.
What credit score do I need to get approved for a mortgage or car loan?
It depends on the lender, your loan type, and other factors like income, down payment, and debt. Your best next step is to check your score and ask the lender what range they look for.
Why do my credit scores show different numbers?
Scores can differ because of different scoring models (like FICO vs. VantageScore) and because each credit bureau may have slightly different information. Your score can also change as your credit report updates.
Can a credit repair company guarantee they’ll remove negative items?
No. A reputable process can’t guarantee results, and accurate negative information generally can’t be erased. If you see upfront fees or “guarantee” promises, be cautious.
Do I have to pay to fix my credit errors?
No. You can get your credit reports for free and dispute inaccurate items yourself at no cost under the FCRA. If you want extra support, Credit Footing can match you with a provider, but the service to you is free.