Experian's 2017 State of Credit report similarly found that Generation Z, defined as those 18 to 20 years of age, had the worst
Credit score distribution by age
As you can see, the older people are, the better their credit scores tend to be. People aged 75+ years have the highest average credit score (47 points above the average in 2020), whereas those aged 18–23 years have the lowest average credit score (37 points below average).
The age group with the highest average credit score is those in their 80s, but it's those between 56 and 74 that have the most consumers with a perfect score of 850. However, keep in mind that credit scores vary by age and due to a number of factors.
Percentage of consumers with poor credit by race/ethnicity
Black and Hispanic whites have the lowest average scores. You may also be surprised to learn that average credit scores don't only vary by race/ethnicity.
But if you're in your 20s and just starting out, a score of 700 or higher may be tough as you're just establishing your credit history. In fact, according to Credit Karma, the average credit score for 18-24 year-olds is 630 and the average credit score for 25-30 year-olds is 628.
The truth is that we all start out with no credit score at all. Credit scores are based on the information in our major credit reports, and such reports aren't even created until we've had credit (e.g., a credit card or loan) in our names for at least six months.
White Americans have the highest average credit card debt of any racial group at $6,940. Higher income corresponds to larger credit card balances, but consumers in the middle income brackets are the most likely to have credit card debt.
Numerous studies have found racial disparities in credit scoring: 1996 study found African-Americans were three times as likely to have FICO scores below 620 as whites and that Hispanics were twice as likely.
A 716 credit score is considered a good credit score by many lenders. “Good” score range identified based on 2021 Credit Karma data. A credit score is a number that lenders use to help assess how risky you might be as a borrower.
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.
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.
FICO credit scores, the industry standard for sizing up credit risk, range from 300 to a perfect 850—with 670 to 739 labeled “good,” 740-799 “very good” and 800 to 850 “exceptional.” A 700 score places you right in the middle of the good range, but still slightly below the average credit score of 711.
The short answer is no. Your date of birth doesn't necessarily impact your personal credit score—but the age of your credit profile does.
Poor Credit Scores From FICO
FICO considers a credit score to be poor if it falls below 580. According to FICO, a person with a FICO score in that range is viewed as a credit risk. Why? Their research shows that about 61% of those with poor credit scores end up delinquent on their loans.
And yet, over half of Americans surveyed (53%) say that debt reduction is a top priority—while nearly a quarter (23%) say they have no debt. And that percentage may rise.
How much money does the average American owe? According to a 2020 Experian study, the average American carries $92,727 in consumer debt. Consumer debt includes a variety of personal credit accounts, such as credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, personal loans, and student loans.
Credit scores are three-digit numbers that show an important piece of your financial history. Credit scores help lenders decide whether to grant you credit. The average credit score in the United States is 698, based on VantageScore® data from February 2021.
This score isn't perfect, but it places you in the exceptional credit score range. That's the highest tier of FICO® Scores☉ , which are used by 90% of top lenders. Having an 800 credit score or better is fairly uncommon: Only 23% of all consumers have FICO® Scores of 800 or higher.
An 800-plus credit score shows lenders you are an exceptional borrower. You may qualify for better mortgage and auto loan terms with a high credit score. You may also qualify for credit cards with better rewards and perks, such as access to airport lounges and free hotel breakfasts.