Credit Ratings (2024)

FAQs

What is a good credit rating? ›

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.

Data from April 2023 found that about 1.7% of people who meet the minimum requirements for a FICO® Score had an 850. That's an increase from previous years, but still a small minority of people.

Ratings lower than BBB are considered “non-investment grade," while those between BBB and AAA are considered “investment grade." A credit rating of D may be given when financial obligations aren't met and payments aren't made. This low rating is given if a company has filed for bankruptcy.

Highlights: While older models of credit scores used to go as high as 900, you can no longer achieve a 900 credit score. The highest score you can receive today is 850. Anything above 800 is considered an excellent credit score.

There are some differences around how the various data elements on a credit report factor into the score calculations. Although credit scoring models vary, generally, credit scores from 660 to 724 are considered good; 725 to 759 are considered very good; and 760 and up are considered excellent.

A credit rating is an educated opinion about the financial health of a business or government. It is a conclusion of the likelihood that the business or government will be able to repay its debts.

: a score or grade that a company or organization gives to a possible borrower and that indicates how likely the borrower is to repay a loan. Credit ratings are based on how much money, property, and debt a borrower has and on how well the borrower has paid past debts.

The major credit rating agencies are Fitch Ratings, Moody's, and S&P Global. These agencies research and analyze a firm's financials and assign it a corporate credit rating. The ratings are intended to provide investors with information about the financial stability of issuers of debt-based investments.

Mississippi holds the lowest average credit score at 680, which is 5% below the national average of 715. Rounding out the bottom five states are Louisiana (690), Alabama, (692), Texas (695), and Georgia (695).

What is a good credit score by age? ›

For both the VantageScore and base FICO® score models, the lowest score is 300 and the highest credit score is 850. But even if you have pretty good credit habits, don't be surprised if you check your scores and find that you're below 850.

Can I get a mortgage with an 623 credit score? Yes, your 623 credit score can qualify you for a mortgage. And you have a couple of main options. With a credit score of 580 or higher, you can qualify for an FHA loan to buy a home with a down payment of just 3.5%.

The average FICO credit score in the US is 717, according to the latest FICO data. The average VantageScore is 701 as of January 2024. Credit scores, which are like a grade for your borrowing history, fall in the range of 300 to 850. The higher your score, the better.

Making on-time payments to creditors, keeping your credit utilization low, having a long credit history, maintaining a good mix of credit types, and occasionally applying for new credit lines are the factors that can get you into the 800 credit score club.