What is a good credit score?
On FICO's ladder, 670-739 is 'good' and 740+ is 'very good.' Here's what actually changes at each rung, and what a score alone doesn't buy you.
By Marcus Okafor Credit and Debt Reporter· Updated Sep 6, 2026· Last reviewed Sep 6, 20262 min read0 views
- FICO bands: 670-739 good, 740-799 very good, 800+ exceptional.
- The score is a pricing lever, not a report card; the same score lands differently across lenders.
- Most practical upgrades happen inside the climb from fair to good, not the stretch to 850.
On the classic FICO ladder, 670-739 is 'good,' 740-799 is 'very good,' and 800+ is 'exceptional.' The honest read: 'good' is your ticket to sensible rates, and the gains above it shrink fast.
Lenders invented the bands, so 'good' hides the real story; what each rung actually does for you. Most of the practical upgrade happens inside the 100-point climb from fair to good, not in the last stretch toward 850.
A score prices risk; it doesn't grade your character. Feed it the things lenders price (on-time history, low utilization, account age) and it responds.
The FICO rungs, with what changes
| Range | Label | What it typically gets you |
|---|---|---|
| 300-579 | Poor | Secured cards, deposits, subprime rates |
| 580-669 | Fair | Some approvals, higher rates, smaller limits |
| 670-739 | Good | Mainstream cards and standard rates |
| 740-799 | Very good | Better rates and card perks; the sweet spot |
| 800-850 | Exceptional | Best advertised terms, plus bragging rights that cost nothing |
What actually moves YOUR score, in order of power
- Payment history; the biggest lever; every on-time month compounds the file.
- Utilization; below ~30% of each card's limit, ideally under 10% at statement time.
- Credit age; older accounts help; keep your first card open.
- New inquiries; small and temporary; a few a year is nothing.
- Credit mix; mild; never take loans you don't need just to 'mix.'
The three reads that matter
- Free score views; good for direction, not gospel for rates.
- The lender's quoted range; the score that matters is the one they quote.
- Your actual report; check annually for errors; the one action with quiet, outsized payoff.
Related reading: building from zero, whether a loan application dings you, and what target scores unlock on the house question.
Chase a score to its last digit and you'll retire with a great score and nothing else. Chase on-time habits and the score follows.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What credit score do lenders consider good?
On the common FICO band: 300-579 poor, 580-669 fair, 670-739 good, 740-799 very good, 800-850 exceptional. VantageScore bands differ slightly. A 'good' score clears the bar for mainstream cards and loans.
Is 700 a good credit score?
Yes; 700 sits in the good FICO band and typically qualifies for standard rates and cards. Pushing into the 740+ 'very good' band is where the best perks lean, but 700 will get you approved and treated like a grown-up.
Why are my scores different across tools?
Two models (FICO vs. VantageScore), two or three bureaus reporting slightly different files, and each app using its own modeled version. None is wrong; the score that matters is the one your lender pulls.
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