Credit scores using the FICO® scoring model typically have a range of 300 to 850. For students—or anyone—a score of 700 or above is generally considered a good score. Your credit scores will depend on your credit history and how you've managed past debt.
What's the average credit score for a typical college student or high school graduate? According to Credit Karma, the average credit score for people between the ages of 18 and 24 is 630.
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.
To start building credit at 17, you would need to be listed on a credit-related account like a credit card or loan. Contrary to popular misconceptions, you can't build credit with a regular bank account like a checking account, savings account, debit card, or just getting a job. It takes credit to build credit.
So, what is considered a good credit score? The average credit score in the United States ranges between 670 and 710. According to Experian, a “good” credit score is anything that falls between 661 and 780, which is about 38% of the population.
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: Their identity was stolen and used to open one or more credit accounts. A credit agency erroneously created a credit profile in the minor's name.
What is your starting credit score? We all start out with no credit score — which makes sense, given that our credit scores are based on the information contained in our credit reports, and these reports aren't even generated until we have had credit in our names for 6 months or longer.
Your score falls within the range of scores, from 670 to 739, which are considered Good. The average U.S. FICO® Score, 711, falls within the Good range.
According to new studies, there is a 91-point difference between the average scores of those in the oldest and youngest brackets of consumers. If your credit score falls above 720 points, it is considered to be excellent.
Kids can't open their own credit card account until they turn 18, and will need to prove independent income until they're 21. But even before then, minors can benefit from becoming authorized users on a family member's credit account.
The base credit scores of the most popular credit-reporting models start at 300. Starting with a score of around 300 is possible only if you've managed your finances poorly. You may start to build a credit history or improve your score without using any type of credit.
According to FICO, about 98% of “FICO High Achievers” have zero missed payments. And for the small 2% who do, the missed payment happened, on average, approximately four years ago. So while missing a credit card payment can be easy to do, staying on top of your payments is the only way you will one day reach 850.
A FICO® Score of 670 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.
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.
A 706 FICO® Score is Good, but by raising your score into the Very Good range, you could qualify for lower interest rates and better borrowing terms. A great way to get started is to get your free credit report from Experian and check your credit score to find out the specific factors that impact your score the most.
If your credit score is a 673 or higher, and you meet other requirements, you should not have any problem getting a mortgage. Credit scores in the 620-680 range are generally considered fair credit. There are many mortgage lenders that offer loan programs to borrowers with credit scores in the 500s.
A conventional mortgage usually requires a minimum credit score of 620. This means that with a score of 725, you have a high probability of being approved for a mortgage loan. But lenders won't be offering you the best interest rates out there—some experts suggest that you need score of 760 to get those.
Your score falls within the range of scores, from 580 to 669, considered Fair. A 631 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.
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.
Although ranges vary depending on the credit scoring model, generally credit scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair; 670 to 739 are considered good; 740 to 799 are considered very good; and 800 and up are considered excellent.
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.
Children 13 and older can check their credit the same way adults do. By visiting AnnualCreditReport.com – the only website federally authorized to provide credit reports from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion for free – your child can enter his or her personal information to receive a copy of each report.
And, more specifically, at what age can you start building credit? The short answer is that 18 is the minimum age for financial products such as loans and credit cards. But anyone can potentially start building credit before 18 if they're an authorized user on an account.