The average FICO score in the United States has recently been in the mid-710s — about 714 to 715 in FICO’s most recent reports — after peaking in the high 710s earlier in the decade and dipping slightly as credit card balances, late payments, and student loan delinquencies rose. On the FICO scale, that average falls in the Good range (670–739). If your score is above about 715, you’re above average; if it’s 740 or higher, you’re in the Very Good range or better. To compare fairly, make sure you’re looking at a FICO score, since averages from VantageScore and other models differ.

This guide explains where the average stands, why it moves, how to compare your own score, and how to rise above average.

Where the national average stands — and how you compare.

Key takeaways

• The national average FICO score has recently been in the mid-710s.
• That average falls in the FICO “Good” range.
• The average dipped slightly in recent years after years of increases.
• Compare your score using the same model — FICO — for an accurate picture.
• Averages differ by age, with older consumers generally scoring higher.
• The habits that raise any individual score also raise the average.

The National Average

The average has been in the mid-710s.

FICO periodically reports the average FICO score across U.S. consumers. After rising steadily for more than a decade, the average reached the high 710s and then declined slightly. Its most recent readings have been in the mid-710s.

VantageScore also reports averages for its own model, which may differ. Because the scales and calculations aren’t identical, compare your score with the average for the same model.

Where the Average Falls on the Scale

The average sits in the Good range.

Why the Average Moves

What has pushed the average down recently.

National averages reflect how millions of people are managing credit. Recent pressure has come from:

• Higher credit card balances, which raise utilization
• More late payments as budgets tighten
• Student loan delinquencies returning to credit reports after the pandemic-era pause ended
• Higher living costs squeezing household finances

Factors that push the average up include lower balances, fewer late payments, and changes like the removal of many medical collections from credit reports.

Averages by Age

Credit scores generally rise with age, because older consumers tend to have longer credit histories, lower utilization, and more experience managing credit. Younger consumers often have shorter histories and higher utilization relative to their limits. If you’re young, comparing yourself with the national average can be discouraging — your score may simply need time.

How to Compare Your Score Fairly

Compare like with like.

• Use a FICO score, since the commonly cited average is FICO-based.
• Note which bureau your score is based on.
• Look at your range, not just the number.
• Read your key factors to see what’s holding you back.
• Track your trend month to month.

Many banks and card issuers provide free FICO scores. Free apps often show a VantageScore, which may differ.

Is Average Good Enough?

An average score opens many doors — most mainstream credit cards and loans at reasonable rates. But lenders often reserve their best rates for scores of 740 and higher, and mortgage pricing often improves in steps above that. On a large loan, moving from average to Very Good can save meaningful money.

How to Rise Above Average

• Pay every bill on time — payment history is the largest factor
• Keep utilization low — ideally under 10% of your limits
• Fix errors on your credit reports
• Keep old accounts open
• Apply for new credit only when needed

For a complete plan, see our guide on how to improve your credit score.

Average Scores Across Other Models

VantageScore publishes its own averages, and industry-specific FICO scores for auto and credit cards use a 250–900 range with their own distributions. Averages from free apps may reflect the app’s users rather than the whole country. When you see a claim about “the average credit score,” check which model and population it describes.

What an Average Score Can Get You

With a score around the national average, you can typically expect:

• Credit cards: approval for many mainstream cards, though not always the best rewards or rates
• Auto loans: reasonable rates, with better pricing available at higher scores
• Mortgages: approval with many programs, with pricing that improves as scores rise
• Renting: approval with many landlords, who also weigh income and rental history

An Example of Moving Above Average

Here’s an illustrative example. A borrower with a FICO score of 702 has two credit cards at 45% utilization and one late payment from three years ago. She pays her card balances down to under 10% before her statements close, sets up autopay, and avoids new applications. Within a few months, her score is in the mid-730s — above the national average — and after another year of on-time payments, it crosses 740.

Factors That Affect Averages Over Time

• Economic conditions, such as employment and inflation
• Interest rates, which affect how quickly people pay down debt
• Reporting changes, such as medical debt policies or student loan reporting
• Scoring model updates
• Consumer habits, such as how much people rely on credit cards

The national average is a snapshot of these forces at a moment in time.

Averages Can Be Misleading

Averages hide a wide range. Many people have scores well above 800, while others have scores in the 500s or no score at all. A single number can’t describe everyone’s situation. What matters most for you is where your score falls within the ranges lenders use, and whether it’s moving in the right direction.

What Changes Your Score Fastest

Where to Get Your Score

• Banks and card issuers often provide free FICO scores
• Credit bureaus offer scores, some free with sign-up
• Free apps often show VantageScores
• Lenders provide the score they used if they deny you or offer worse terms

Remember to compare the same model over time.

Keep Perspective

Being below average isn’t a verdict on your financial future, and being above average doesn’t mean you can stop paying attention. Scores move with your habits. Focus on the factors you control, and your score will follow.

A Brief History of the Average

For many years, the average FICO score rose steadily, helped by factors such as lower utilization and fewer late payments. In the early 2020s, it reached record highs, partly because of pandemic-era relief programs and lower card balances. As those programs ended and costs rose, balances increased and late payments ticked up, and the average dipped slightly. These shifts show how national averages respond to economic conditions.

Average Score and Borrowing Costs

Lenders often price loans in tiers. A borrower with an average score may qualify for good rates, but those in higher tiers often get better ones. On a large loan like a mortgage, the difference between tiers can add up over time. That’s why many people aim for 740 or higher before major applications.

Checklist: Getting Above Average

• Pull all three reports and dispute any errors
• Set up autopay on every account
• Pay card balances down before statements close
• Avoid new applications for a few months
• Keep your oldest accounts open
• Track your FICO score monthly

How Different Groups Compare

Averages differ across groups:

• By age: older consumers generally have higher averages
• By region: averages vary between states and metropolitan areas
• By credit history length: longer histories often correlate with higher scores
• By utilization: people with low utilization tend to have higher scores

These patterns reflect habits and circumstances, not fixed destinies. Anyone can raise their score with consistent habits.

Average Score Myths

• “Everyone around 700 is in trouble.” A 700 is in the Good range.
• “You need 850 to get the best rates.” Many lenders offer top rates well below 850.
• “The average is the same across models.” Models have different averages.
• “Averages don’t change.” They move with the economy and reporting rules.

Averages and Your Financial Goals

Instead of focusing on the national average, set goals based on what you want to do:

• Rent an apartment: many landlords are comfortable with scores in the Good range
• Buy a car: better rates often start around the Good to Very Good ranges
• Get a premium credit card: often Very Good or higher
• Buy a home: program minimums vary, but pricing improves at higher scores

Knowing your goal helps you decide how far above average you need to be.

Keep Track Over Time

A monthly snapshot helps you see progress:

• Your FICO score and bureau
• Your total card balances and limits
• Any new accounts or inquiries
• Any late payments or disputes

Over months, you’ll see how your habits move your score relative to the average.

Why Your Score Might Differ From Your Neighbor’s

Two people with similar incomes can have very different scores because credit scores reflect credit behavior, not income. Differences in payment history, balances, account age, and recent applications explain most gaps. That’s good news: the factors that matter are ones you can change.

Average Credit Score and Young Adults

If you’re in your twenties, don’t be discouraged if you’re below average. Your credit history is still short, and averages for young adults are typically lower. Focus on paying on time, keeping balances low, and letting your accounts age. Many people move well above average by their thirties with consistent habits.

How Lenders Use Averages

Lenders don’t approve or deny based on the national average. They use their own cutoffs and pricing tiers, often based on specific scoring models. A lender might offer its best auto loan rates at 720 and above, or require a certain minimum for a mortgage program. The average is useful for context, but the lender’s tiers are what matter when you apply.

Checking Your Credit for Errors

Errors can pull your score below where it should be. Pull your free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and look for:

• Late payments you didn’t make
• Accounts that aren’t yours
• Duplicate collections
• Wrong balances or credit limits

Disputing errors can move you closer to — or above — the average. See our step-by-step guide on how to fix your credit.

Quick Reference

The Bigger Picture

National averages rise and fall with the economy, but your score reflects your own choices and circumstances. Focus on what you control: paying on time, keeping balances low, checking your reports for errors, and giving your credit history time to grow. Those habits will move your score above average — and keep it there.

Where Averages Come From

Reported averages are based on large samples of consumer credit files. They exclude people without scorable files, and they reflect a specific scoring model at a specific time. That’s why different sources may report slightly different averages.

Your Next Step

Look up your current FICO score from your bank, card issuer, or a bureau, and compare it with the national average. Then read the key factors listed with your score. Whatever factor is listed first is usually the best place to start improving.

A Note on Scores and Stress

Credit scores are useful tools, not measures of personal worth. Many people with below-average scores are managing difficult circumstances responsibly. If you’re working to improve, focus on steady progress — each on-time payment and each dollar of debt paid down counts.

Frequently Confused Terms

• Average score: the mean score across consumers with scorable files
• Median score: the middle score, which can differ from the average
• Score range: the band your score falls into, such as Good or Very Good
• Scoring model: the formula used, such as FICO Score 8 or VantageScore 4.0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average credit score in the U.S.?

FICO has recently reported a national average in the mid-710s.

Is 715 a good credit score?

Yes. It’s in the FICO Good range and around the national average.

Why did the average credit score go down?

Rising card balances, more late payments, and student loan delinquencies returning to credit reports contributed to a slight decline.

What’s the average credit score for young adults?

Younger consumers typically have lower average scores because of shorter credit histories.

Is the average VantageScore the same as the average FICO score?

No. The models differ, so their averages differ.

What score is above average?

Roughly anything above the mid-710s on the FICO scale.

How can I check my FICO score for free?

Many banks and card issuers provide free FICO scores.

Has the average credit score gone up over time?

It rose for many years, reaching record highs, before dipping slightly more recently.

Does the average score differ by state?

Yes. Averages vary across states and regions, reflecting differences in income, age, and credit habits.

Is my score average if it’s 700?

It’s slightly below the recent national average of the mid-710s, but still in the Good range.

Why is my score different from the average in my app?

Your app may use a different model or show averages for its own users.

Can I reach an above-average score quickly?

It depends on what’s holding you back. Lowering high balances can move scores within a billing cycle or two.

Does income affect the average credit score?

Income isn’t part of credit scores, although it can influence how easily people pay their bills.

What’s a good goal if I’m below average?

Aim for the next range up first — for example, from Fair to Good — then work toward 740 and above.

Does the average include people with no credit?

Averages typically include only people with scorable credit files.

How often does FICO update the average?

FICO releases updated figures periodically. Check the latest release for the current average.

Is 750 above average?

Yes. It’s above the recent national average and in the Very Good range.

Is 650 below average?

Yes. It’s below the mid-710s average and in the Fair range on the FICO scale.

Should I compare myself with the average at all?

It’s a useful benchmark, but your own goals and trend matter more.

Can one late payment put me below average?

It can, especially if your score was near average. Its impact fades over time.

What’s the fastest way to get above average?

Lower your card balances and make every payment on time.

Is my score likely to rise as I get older?

Often, yes, as your accounts age and you build more positive history — if you keep good habits.

Does marriage affect the average?

Marriage doesn’t merge credit reports. Each spouse has their own score.

Do all three bureaus have the same average?

Averages may differ slightly because each bureau’s data differs.

Is the average score higher for homeowners?

Homeowners often have longer credit histories and installment experience, which can correlate with higher scores, but individual habits matter most.

Can I be above average with a thin file?

It’s possible, but thin files tend to have more volatile scores. Building more history helps.

Where can I find the latest official average?

FICO publishes updates on its website and blog. Check there for the most recent figure.

Does a higher-than-average score guarantee approval?

No. Lenders also consider income, debts, and other factors.

Why do different websites report different averages?

They may use different models, time periods, or populations. FICO’s own releases are the most commonly cited source for FICO averages.

Should I worry if I’m below average?

Not if you’re making progress. Focus on your trend and your next range.

Does the average include business credit?

No. Consumer credit score averages reflect personal credit files.

How long does it take to go from below average to above?

It depends on what’s holding you back. Lowering utilization can help within weeks; recovering from late payments takes longer.

Can credit repair help me reach the average?

It can if errors are holding your score down. Accurate negative items generally stay until they age off.

Is a 715 score good enough for a mortgage?

Often yes, though pricing improves at higher scores. Talk to lenders about your options.

Is the average score higher in California?

Averages vary by state. Check current data from FICO or other published sources for state-level figures.

Does paying rent on time raise the average?

Only if rent is reported and counted by the scoring model.

What’s the difference between average and median credit scores?

The average is the mean; the median is the middle value. They can differ because of how scores are distributed.

Does checking my score change the average?

No. Checking your own score doesn’t affect your score or any averages.

Can my score be above average but still get denied?

Yes. Lenders weigh income, debts, and other factors too.

The Bottom Line

The average American’s FICO score is in the mid-710s — solidly in the Good range. Compare your own FICO score with that benchmark, focus on your key factors, and use the proven habits — on-time payments and low balances — to move above average and into the ranges where lenders offer their best rates.

For more on what your score means, see our guide on what credit score you need to buy a house.

Want to Rise Above Average?

Strong Credit Report has helped consumers across California and nationwide since [year] correct credit report errors and build stronger credit. Your first consultation is free, and we’ll tell you honestly which steps you can take on your own.

Schedule a free consultation or call 800-603-8045.

Strong Credit Report is a credit repair organization as defined under the Credit Repair Organizations Act. We cannot guarantee specific results or score increases. This article is general information, not financial advice.