What Is the Average Credit Score?
The average credit score is a useful benchmark. But the real question is sharper: does your score help you get approved, pay less interest, and avoid ugly terms?
Check Your Credit OptionsThe average score depends on the model.
FICO and VantageScore both measure credit risk, but they do not always show the same number.
Quick Answer
The average credit score in the U.S. is currently about 713 to 714 using recent FICO data, while the recent average VantageScore 4.0 is about 701. Experian reported the average U.S. FICO Score was 713 in 2025. FICO reported the average U.S. FICO Score at 714 in its Spring 2026 Credit Insights report. VantageScore reported an average VantageScore 4.0 of 701 in February 2026.
That means the typical U.S. consumer is around the “good” range. But average is not the same as approval-ready. A good score can still get denied if balances are high, income is low, recent applications are stacked, or the lender sees a risk signal in your file.
Average Credit Score at a Glance
These numbers answer the search question fast, then give you context.
Average Credit Score Snapshot
The number changes depending on which score model and report date you use.
The 7:18 a.m. Score Comparison
You check your score before work. It says 662. Then you see the average is over 700. That gap can feel embarrassing.
Do not turn it into a character judgment. A credit score is a snapshot of report data. A high balance, one late payment, a thin file, or an error can pull the number down. Fix the pressure point, and the story can change.
Why the gap feels bigger than the number: a 40-point difference can mean a higher APR, a bigger deposit, or a denial on the card you wanted. That is why the next move matters more than the average itself.
What Credit Score Range Is Average?
Most base FICO and VantageScore models use a 300 to 850 range. A score around 713 or 714 usually sits in the good range.
| Score range | Common label | What it can feel like |
|---|---|---|
| 300–579 | Poor | More denials, higher deposits, fewer affordable options. |
| 580–669 | Fair | Some approvals, but rates and fees may sting. |
| 670–739 | Good | More approval options, but not always best pricing. |
| 740–799 | Very good | Stronger terms, better odds, more lender confidence. |
| 800+ | Excellent | Often the strongest terms, depending on income and debt. |
Where the Average Score Sits
The average sits in the good range, not the excellent range. That means many people are doing okay, but still may not get top-tier pricing.
What the Average Does — and Does Not — Tell You
The average credit score helps you see where the country is. It does not tell you what your next approval will look like.
When averages fall, more consumers may be under pressure.
Your exact file, income, debt, and lender matter.
A good score can still be declined.
FICO vs. VantageScore
FICO and VantageScore are both credit scoring systems. They look at similar credit report information, but they can weigh it differently. That is why your bank app, credit card app, and lender may show different numbers.
Widely used in many lending decisions.
Used by many consumer tools and lenders.
The score that matters most is the one the lender actually uses.
Why the Average Score Has Been Under Pressure
Recent reports show the average score is still solid, but consumer stress is showing. Experian reported the average FICO Score fell from 715 in 2024 to 713 in 2025. Recent VantageScore reports also noted pressure among lower-tier borrowers, even while stronger consumers helped support the average.
More card debt can raise utilization and hurt scores.
Payment history is one of the biggest score drivers.
Resumed delinquency reporting hurt some borrowers.
What Lenders See Beyond the Average
A lender does not approve you because you are close to the national average. It looks at the full file.
| Risk signal | Why it matters | Better next move |
|---|---|---|
| High utilization | You may look stretched even with a good score. | Pay balances down before statement close. |
| Recent hard inquiries | You may look like you are chasing credit. | Pause applications and use pre-approval. |
| Thin file | There is not much history to judge. | Build clean reporting history slowly. |
| Late payment | Payment history is a major trust signal. | Get current and build clean months. |
If Your Score Is Below Average
Do not panic-apply for cards to “catch up.” Find the drag first.
Review all three credit reports for errors.
Start with the card closest to its limit.
No new late payments. No excuses.
Compare before risking a hard pull.
If Your Score Is Average or Above Average
Do not get lazy. A good score can slide fast if balances rise or payments slip.
Protect it
- Keep utilization low before statement close.
- Pay every account on time.
- Compare APRs and fees before accepting offers.
- Keep older healthy accounts open when it makes sense.
Do not waste it
- Do not open cards just because offers arrive.
- Do not carry interest to “build credit.”
- Do not ignore rising balances.
- Do not assume good means guaranteed.
What Moves You Above Average?
The moves are not flashy. They work because lenders like proof.
| Move | Why it helps | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| On-time payments | Shows repayment reliability. | One late payment can hurt badly. |
| Lower utilization | Shows you are not maxing out available credit. | Reported balance matters. |
| Older accounts | Adds depth and history. | Do not close useful accounts without a reason. |
| Fewer applications | Reduces credit-seeking signals. | Use pre-approval when possible. |
| Accurate reports | Bad data can drag you down. | Dispute errors with proof. |
Your Next 30 Days
Do not try to fix your whole credit life in one weekend. Fix the first pressure point.
Check Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
High balance, late payment, error, or thin file.
Pay down, dispute, get current, or stop applying.
Let the new data hit before applying again.
Average is not the finish line.
Your goal is a score that helps you pay less, qualify easier, and avoid bad terms. Start with the pressure point hurting your file today.
Check Your Credit OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
What is the average credit score?
The average U.S. FICO Score was 713 in 2025 according to Experian, while FICO reported the average U.S. FICO Score at 714 in its Spring 2026 Credit Insights report. VantageScore reported an average VantageScore 4.0 of 701 in February 2026.
Is the average credit score good?
Yes. A score around 713 or 714 generally falls in the good range on common FICO score ranges. It is good, but it may not qualify you for the best pricing.
Why are there different average credit scores?
Different averages come from different scoring models, report dates, bureaus, and data sources. FICO and VantageScore can show different numbers.
What if my credit score is below average?
Find the biggest pressure point first: late payments, high utilization, collections, report errors, thin history, or too many recent applications.
Can an average credit score still get denied?
Yes. Lenders also review income, debt, recent inquiries, account history, and their own approval rules.
What credit score is considered good?
On common FICO ranges, 670 to 739 is generally considered good.
Does checking my score hurt my credit?
Checking your own score is generally a soft inquiry and does not hurt your credit score.
How do I move from fair to good credit?
Pay on time, lower credit card balances, avoid unnecessary applications, and dispute inaccurate credit report information.
Is 700 above or below average?
A 700 score is near the recent VantageScore 4.0 average and below the recent average FICO score. It is often considered good, but lender rules vary.
Why is my score different across apps?
Apps may use different scoring models, bureaus, update dates, and score versions. The lender’s score is the one that matters for a specific application.
Sources Used
This article was reviewed against current consumer-credit sources including Experian average U.S. credit score report, Experian 2025 Consumer Credit Review, FICO Spring 2026 Credit Insights report, VantageScore February 2026 CreditGauge, Experian credit score range guidance, myFICO score factor guidance, CFPB FICO Score guidance, and FTC credit education guidance.
Macy Carson writes practical credit-building and credit-card education guides for AnyCreditWelcome.com. Her work focuses on real-life credit decisions, APRs, 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.