Since everyone's credit journey is different, there's no one standard score everyone starts out with. You won't start with a score of zero, though. You simply won't have a score at all. That's because your credit scores aren't calculated until a lender or another entity requests it to determine your creditworthiness.
This is an important first step toward a secure financial future. Fortunately, there are some simple tips that you can use to make sure that you get off on the right track. The average credit score for 18-year-olds is 631.
This connection between the contents of our credit reports and our eventual credit scores means that we all won't start with the same number. Rest assured that your first score won't be zero, though, as the most common credit-scoring models start at 300.
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.
A 300 credit score can be a sign of past credit difficulties or a lack of credit history. Whether you're looking for a personal loan, a mortgage or a credit card, credit scores in this range can make it challenging to get approved for unsecured credit, which doesn't require collateral or a security deposit.
The base FICO® Scores range from 300 to 850, and FICO defines the "good" range as 670 to 739. FICO®'s industry-specific credit scores have a different range—250 to 900. However, the middle categories have the same groupings and a "good" industry-specific FICO® Score is still 670 to 739.
Building a credit score from scratch can take anywhere from a month or two to six months, depending on the type of credit score you are looking at. The two main credit scoring systems vary on how soon they'll show a score. You can establish a VantageScore within a month or two of having a credit line.
Length of credit history, which takes into account how long your accounts have been open and how recently they've been used, accounts for 15 percent of your credit score under FICO's traditional formula. ... Still, it is possible to establish excellent credit — a score of 800 or higher, for example — in your 20s.
Your Credit Score Doesn't Start at Zero
Starting with no credit score doesn't mean your score is zero. Rather, your score simply doesn't exist. ... Nor will your first credit score be the highest level (under the two most commonly used credit scoring models, FICO® and VantageScore®, that's 850).
But, if we're talking in terms of averages, the average credit score for those who are in the 30 to 39 age bracket is 673, according to a report from Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus. This is considered a “good” score.
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.
It's recommended you have a credit score of 620 or higher when you apply for a conventional loan. If your score is below 620, lenders either won't be able to approve your loan or may be required to offer you a higher interest rate, which can result in higher monthly payments.
What credit score do you need for the Apple Card? According to Apple, customers with a credit score lower than 600 might not be approved for the Apple Card. This means that some applicants with fair or average credit (scores ranging between 580-669) might be accepted for the Apple Card, while others might be declined.
Your score falls within the range of scores, from 580 to 669, considered Fair. A 630 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.
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.
You can begin building your child's credit whenever you want to by making him or her an authorized user on your credit card. Usually, you have to be at least 18 and have an income to take on a credit card or loan, which are the conventional ways that people start building credit.
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.
Your score falls within the range of scores, from 300 to 579, considered Very Poor. A 300 FICO® Score is significantly below the average credit score.
Does your child have a credit score? Typically, only people over the age of 18 have a credit score — but it is possible for minors to have a credit report. A person under 18 can have a credit report if : ... An adult added the minor as an authorized user or opened a joint account in the minor's name.
A credit score of 900 is either not possible or not very relevant. ... On the standard 300-850 range used by FICO and VantageScore, a credit score of 800+ is considered “perfect.” That's because higher scores won't really save you any money.
A 750 credit score is Very Good, but it can be even better. If you can elevate your score into the Exceptional range (800-850), you could become eligible for the very best lending terms, including the lowest interest rates and fees, and the most enticing credit-card rewards programs.
Your score falls within the range of scores, from 740 to 799, that is considered Very Good. A 775 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.
Factors that don't affect your credit score
Rent and utility payments: In most cases, your rent payments and your utility payments are not reported to the credit bureaus, so they do not count toward your score. The exception is if you use a rent-reporting service or if you are late on utility payments.
Give it some time
But it also suggests that building credit takes time and patience, as you need to establish a track record of financial responsibility. In fact, reaching an excellent credit score of 750+ generally takes 5 or more years.