Credit Score Ranges Explained (300–850)

The FICO Score Range

What Each Range Qualifies You For

300–579 — Poor

• Credit cards: Secured cards only, with deposit equal to limit
• Auto loans: Yes, but at 18–25% APR
• Mortgage: FHA at 580+ only, with 10% down minimum
• Apartment: Difficult — large deposits or co-signer required
• Insurance: 30–60% higher premiums

580–669 — Fair

• Credit cards: Subprime unsecured cards, low limits
• Auto loans: 11–14% APR
• Mortgage: FHA approved with 3.5% down at 580+
• Apartment: Approved at most Class B properties
• Insurance: 10–25% higher premiums

670–739 — Good

• Credit cards: Mid-tier rewards cards, $5–15k limits
• Auto loans: 7–9% APR
• Mortgage: Conventional loans accessible
• Apartment: Approved most everywhere
• Insurance: Standard rates

740–799 — Very Good

• Credit cards: Premium cards (Sapphire Preferred, Gold AmEx)
• Auto loans: 5–6.5% APR
• Mortgage: Best conventional rates
• Apartment: Top-tier approvals
• Insurance: Standard to discounted

800–850 — Exceptional

• Credit cards: Super-premium (Sapphire Reserve, Platinum AmEx)
• Auto loans: Below 5% APR
• Mortgage: Lowest available rate
• Apartment: Top of the stack on every application
• Insurance: Maximum discounts

What Moves You Between Tiers

The five FICO factors and their weights:

1. Payment History (35%) — pay on time, every time
2. Credit Utilization (30%) — keep cards under 10%
3. Length of History (15%) — don't close old accounts
4. Credit Mix (10%) — have cards + installment loans
5. New Credit (10%) — minimize hard inquiries

Realistic Improvement Timelines

The first 100 points are the fastest. Going from 740 to 800 is the slowest stretch — it requires perfect behavior over 18+ months.

Why "Good" Isn't Good Enough

A 670 vs. a 740 on a $300,000 mortgage costs you roughly $60,000 in additional interest over 30 years. The gap from "good" to "very good" is the most valuable score improvement most people can make.

Start the work today.