Most lenders (and scoring models) consider anything less than two years of credit history to be little more than a decent start. When you get into the two- to four-year range, you're just taking the training wheels off. Having at least five years of good credit history puts you in the middle of the pack.
What is a good credit history length? Seven years is deemed a reasonable amount of time to establish a good credit history. After seven years, most negative items will fall off your credit report. However, the seven-year time period doesn't guarantee your credit score and credit history will improve.
The more years you can put between you and your first (successful) credit card application, the more your score will benefit. As you add new credit, however, your average will drop. While there is no golden number to aim for, getting your average age of credit to between six and 10 years is probably a good goal.
A good credit score doesn't come quickly. Excellent credit requires seven years of open credit accounts and on-time payments. Here's why, and what you can do to manage your finances while working to build good credit.
In a FICO Score “High Achievers” study, people with a FICO Score ranging from 800-850 had an average length of credit history of 99-128 months (around 8-11 years). A good credit score, defined as a FICO Credit Score of 670-739, may be achievable in a far shorter time frame.
Most lenders (and scoring models) consider anything less than two years of credit history to be little more than a decent start. When you get into the two- to four-year range, you're just taking the training wheels off. Having at least five years of good credit history puts you in the middle of the pack.
If you are building your credit from scratch, then two years of the right credit behaviors and credit history should be enough to help you qualify for a home loan.
It will take about six months of credit activity to establish enough history for a FICO credit score, which is used in 90% of lending decisions. 1 FICO credit scores range from 300 to 850, and a score of over 700 is considered a good credit score. Scores over 800 are considered excellent.
Depending on where you're starting from, It can take several years or more to build an 800 credit score. You need to have a few years of only positive payment history and a good mix of credit accounts showing you have experience managing different types of credit cards and loans.
So, given the fact that the average credit score for people in their 20s is 630 and a “good” credit score is typically around 700, it's safe to say a good credit score in your 20s is in the high 600s or low 700s.
The average credit card limit for a 25-year-old is around $3,000. To get to that number, it's important to know that the average credit score in that age bracket is 650, which is fair credit.
700 is a good credit score to buy a car because it proves you are a responsible borrower with a credit history in the prime range. Even if your score is under 700 there are still ways to obtain affordable financing, especially at Green Light Auto Credit!
A conventional loan requires a credit score of at least 620, but it's ideal to have a score of 740 or above, which could allow you to make a lower down payment, get a more attractive interest rate and save on private mortgage insurance.
A FICO® Score of 730 falls within a span of scores, from 670 to 739, that are categorized as Good. The average U.S. FICO® Score, 711, falls within the Good range.
Your score falls within the range of scores, from 580 to 669, considered Fair. A 600 FICO® Score is below the average credit score. Some lenders see consumers with scores in the Fair range as having unfavorable credit, and may decline their credit applications.
A FICO® Score of 605 places you within a population of consumers whose credit may be seen as Fair. Your 605 FICO® Score is lower than the average U.S. credit score. Statistically speaking, 28% of consumers with credit scores in the Fair range are likely to become seriously delinquent in the future.
Your FICO® Score falls within a range, from 740 to 799, that may be considered Very Good. A 750 FICO® Score is above the average credit score. Borrowers with scores in the Very Good range typically qualify for lenders' better interest rates and product offers.
If you have been using credit for only six months or a year, it's unrealistic to expect a score in the high 700s. Still, it is possible to establish excellent credit — a score of 800 or higher, for example — in your 20s.
Your score falls within the range of scores, from 740 to 799, that is considered Very Good. A 770 FICO® Score is above the average credit score. Consumers in this range may qualify for better interest rates from lenders. 25% of all consumers have FICO® Scores in the Very Good range.
Most lenders offer FHA loans starting at a 580 credit score. If your score is 580 or higher, you need to pay only 3.5% down. Those with lower credit (500-579) may still qualify for an FHA loan. But you'd need to put at least 10% down, and it can be harder to find lenders that allow a 500 minimum credit score.
To purchase a $300K house, you may need to make between $50,000 and $74,500 a year. This is a rule of thumb, and the specific salary will vary depending on your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, the type of home loan, loan term, and mortgage rate.
700 is a good score — and with a little effort, you should be able to find a mortgage lender who will give you a competitive rate and get you into the home you want.
There is no set credit score you need to get an auto loan. If you have a credit score above 660, you will likely qualify for an auto loan at a rate below 10% APR. If you have bad credit or no credit, you could still qualify for a car loan, but you should expect to pay more.