Credit scores run from 300 to 850 under the FICO model most lenders use, and VantageScore uses the same 300-850 scale as well. Where your number falls determines not just whether you get approved, but what interest rate you pay and which products are even available to you at all.
The Five Score Ranges
| Range | FICO Score | What It Means | Approval Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poor | 300-579 | Well below average; history of missed payments or serious derogatory marks | Secured cards, subprime auto loans only |
| Fair | 580-669 | Below average; approvals possible but with higher rates and fees | Some unsecured cards, higher-rate loans |
| Good | 670-739 | Near or slightly above average; most lenders consider this an acceptable risk | Most credit cards, standard loan rates |
| Very Good | 740-799 | Above average; qualifies for better-than-standard rates | Premium rewards cards, favorable loan terms |
| Exceptional | 800-850 | Top tier; the best rates and terms available | Best available rates on any product |
These bands are FICO's general categories, and the exact cutoffs can shift slightly depending on the specific score version (FICO 8, FICO 9, FICO 10T) and which bureau's data it was calculated from. VantageScore uses a similar structure with slightly different labels but the same 300-850 scale.
What Each Range Actually Unlocks
300-579 (Poor): Most mainstream lenders will decline outright. Secured credit cards — where you provide a cash deposit as collateral — are typically the only card option, and auto loans come with subprime interest rates that can run 15-20%+ APR.
580-669 (Fair): Some unsecured cards become available, though often with lower limits and annual fees. Auto and personal loan rates remain elevated compared to higher tiers.
670-739 (Good): This is where the majority of mainstream credit products open up — most rewards credit cards, standard mortgage rates, and competitive auto loan terms become accessible. Many issuers set 670 as an internal approval threshold for their standard product tier.
740-799 (Very Good): Premium rewards cards, the best available mortgage rates, and the lowest auto loan APRs. The jump from Good to Very Good often produces a meaningfully lower interest rate on large purchases like a home or car.
800-850 (Exceptional): The ceiling. Scores above 800 rarely unlock meaningfully better terms than 780-799 — most lenders treat anything above roughly 760-780 as equally qualified for their best rate tier.
Where do you actually stand right now? See What Is a Good Credit Score? for a direct answer based on what you are trying to qualify for, and What Affects Your Credit Score? to understand what is moving your number.
Score lower than you would like? CreditShiftrr identifies disputable negative items dragging your score down and builds a personalized action plan. Learn about CreditShiftrr →
