What Is the Average Credit Score in the US?
The average score gives you a benchmark. Your own file decides whether the next application feels simple, expensive, or stressful.
Check Your Credit OptionsEducational only. No approval or score increase is guaranteed.
The average US credit score is still good, but pressure is showing under the surface.
Quick Answer
The average credit score in the US depends on the scoring model. FICO reported the national average FICO Score dipped to 714 in Spring 2026. Experian reported the average FICO Score was 713 in 2025. VantageScore reported the average VantageScore 4.0 fell to 700 in December 2025.
Plain English: the average American is still in “good credit” territory under common FICO ranges, but the trend has softened. That matters if you are about to apply for a credit card, apartment, auto loan, personal loan, or mortgage.
Start Here: What the Average Really Tells You
Most people do not search this because they love credit-score trivia. They want to know where they stand, whether their score is normal, and what move could make borrowing less expensive.
Do not panic. Find the cause before you apply again.
You may be close to stronger terms, but balances and recent applications still matter.
Protect it. A missed payment or high card balance can change the story fast.
The 4 Numbers to Watch
What You’ll Learn
Current US Average Credit Score Numbers
There is no single “average credit score” because FICO and VantageScore are different models. Even within FICO, lenders may use different versions.
| Source / model | Recent average | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| FICO national average | 714 in Spring 2026 | Still good, but down as delinquencies pressured scores. |
| Experian FICO average | 713 in 2025 | Down from the 715 high reported for 2023–2024. |
| VantageScore 4.0 | 700 in December 2025 | Softened as mortgage and auto loan delinquencies rose. |
Is the Average US Credit Score Good?
Yes. Under common FICO ranges, 670 to 739 is usually considered good credit. That means 713 or 714 falls in the good range.
But good does not mean bulletproof.
The kitchen-table version
Someone with a 714 score and low balances may look steady to a lender.
Someone else with a 714 score, several recent applications, and cards near the limit may feel very different on paper.
The score is the headline. The credit report is the story.
Same score, stronger file
A 714 score with low balances, no recent late payments, and few new applications can look steady.
Same score, different lender reaction
A 714 score with maxed cards, new hard credit checks, and a thin emergency fund may still feel risky to a lender.
Common FICO Score Ranges
Why the Average Credit Score Is Slipping
The national average is still solid, but recent reports show stress under the surface.
FICO pointed to student loan repayment and mortgage delinquencies as key reasons the national average dipped. VantageScore also reported softening credit health tied to mortgage and auto loan delinquencies, higher interest rates, and higher prices.
What can pull scores down
- Late payments
- Student loan delinquencies
- Mortgage or auto loan stress
- High card balances
- Too many recent applications
What can protect your score
- On-time payments
- Lower reported balances
- Fewer unnecessary hard credit checks
- Checking reports for errors
- Keeping healthy older accounts open
What Usually Moves the Score
The exact math is different by scoring model, but the same habits usually matter most.
This is why the average can mislead you.
A score near the national average may still come with a high APR if your cards are near the limit. A score below average may still improve quickly if the main problem is one fixable balance.
The number matters. The reason behind the number matters more.
How Your Score Compares
Do not compare yourself into panic. Compare yourself into a plan.
| Your score range | How it may feel | Best next move |
|---|---|---|
| Below 580 | Approvals may be harder or more expensive. | Protect current payments and check reports. |
| 580–669 | You may qualify, but terms can be costly. | Lower balances and avoid panic applications. |
| 670–739 | Good range and near the national average. | Keep credit card utilization low before applying. |
| 740+ | Stronger approval odds may be possible. | Protect the habits and avoid unnecessary debt. |
The average is not the finish line.
A 714 score can be useful. But if you carry high-interest debt or keep applying without a plan, the number can slide quickly.
What To Do If You Are Below the US Average
You do not need a magic trick. You need to stop the damage and work the biggest levers.
Protect every current due date first.
Cards near the limit can hurt even if payments are current.
Look for errors, unknown accounts, and wrong balances.
Do not add hard credit checks while guessing.
Before You Apply With a Below-Average Score
Do this first so one application does not turn into three denials and more stress.
Look for errors, late payments, and unknown accounts.
Cards near the limit can lower confidence fast.
Waiting 30–60 days may help if balances are about to drop.
APR, fees, deposits, and limits decide if approval is worth it.
The Bottom Line
The average credit score in the US is around the low 700s, depending on the model.
FICO says the average is 714. Experian says 713. VantageScore says 700. That tells us the average borrower is still in decent shape, but pressure is rising.
Your job is not to beat the country by one point. Your job is to make your own credit file less risky and your next approval less expensive.
Use the average as a map marker.
Then focus on the next move: pay on time, lower balances, check reports, and apply only when the timing makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average credit score in the US?
The average depends on the model. FICO reported the national average FICO Score dipped to 714 in Spring 2026. Experian reported 713 for 2025. VantageScore reported 700 in December 2025.
Is 714 a good credit score?
Yes. Under common FICO ranges, 714 is in the good-credit range of 670 to 739.
Why is the average credit score falling?
Recent reports point to student loan delinquency reporting, mortgage and auto loan stress, higher prices, and higher interest rates.
Is FICO or VantageScore more important?
Both are useful, but many lenders use FICO versions for lending decisions. Free score apps may show VantageScore or a different score version.
What score should I aim for?
A score of 670 or higher is commonly considered good under FICO ranges. Many borrowers aim for 740 or higher because stronger scores can help with better terms.
Can I raise my score quickly?
Sometimes, if the main issue is high credit card utilization or an error. Late payments and serious negative marks usually take more time.
Does checking my own credit hurt my score?
No. Checking your own credit is generally a soft inquiry and does not hurt your score.
What should I do before applying for credit?
Check your score range, review your reports, lower high credit card utilization if possible, and compare the cost of the offer before applying.
Why is my score different in different apps?
Different apps may show different scoring models, score versions, bureau data, or update dates. That does not always mean something is wrong.
What matters more than the national average?
Your payment history, credit card utilization, recent applications, report accuracy, and current debt load matter more than whether you are a few points above or below average.
Sources Used
This article was reviewed against current consumer-credit sources including FICO Spring 2026 average score reporting, Experian average credit score reporting, Experian 2025 Consumer Credit Review, VantageScore December 2025 CreditGauge, myFICO credit score ranges, myFICO score factor guidance, and CFPB FICO score explanation.
Know your credit before the next application.
The national average gives you context. Your own score, balances, and credit report decide what happens next.
Check Your Credit OptionsMacy Carson writes practical credit-building and credit-card education guides for AnyCreditWelcome.com. Her work focuses on real-life credit decisions, APRs, credit card utilization, payoff planning, approvals, and avoiding expensive credit mistakes.
Macy is not a licensed financial advisor. Her content is educational and designed to help readers ask better questions before choosing credit products.