What is an elite credit score?
An excellent credit score is one that's in the highest credit score range. Under the FICO scoring model, it's technically referred to as exceptional credit, and it's from 800 to 850. Under the VantageScore model, excellent credit is between 781 and 850.
How many people have perfect FICO® Scores? Data from April 2023 found that about 1.7% of people who meet the minimum requirements for a FICO® Score had an 850.
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.
| FICO® Score range | Percent within range |
|---|---|
| 600-649 | 9% |
| 650-699 | 12% |
| 700-749 | 17% |
| 750-799 | 24% |
Your score falls in the range of scores, from 800 to 850, that is considered Exceptional. Your FICO® Score and is well above the average credit score. Consumers with scores in this range may expect easy approvals when applying for new credit. 21% of all consumers have FICO® Scores in the Exceptional range.
Membership in the 800+ credit score club is quite exclusive, with fewer than 1 in 6 people boasting a score that high, according to WalletHub data.
For a conventional mortgage in California, you typically need a minimum score of at least 600. If you qualify for certain government-backed loans, however, you may be able to buy a home with a score as low as 500.
The credit score required and other eligibility factors for buying a car vary by lender and loan terms. Still, you typically need a good credit score of 661 or higher to qualify for an auto loan. About 69% of retail vehicle financing is for borrowers with credit scores of 661 or higher, according to Experian.
Most used auto loans go to borrowers with minimum credit scores of at least 675. For new auto loans, most borrowers have scores of around 730. The minimum credit score needed for a new car may be around 600, but those with excellent credit often get lower rates and lower monthly payments.
| Average FICO 8 Score by Generation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Generation | 2022 | 2023 |
| Generation Z (ages 18-26) | 679 - Good | 680 - Good |
| Millennials (27-42) | 687 - Good | 690 - Good |
| Generation X (43-58) | 707 - Good | 709 - Good |
What is the average credit score in the United States?
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.
Recurring late or missed payments, excessive credit utilization or not using a credit card for a long time could prompt your credit card company to lower your credit limit. This may hurt your credit score by increasing your credit utilization.
Yes. Assuming the rest of your finances are solid, a credit score of 700 should qualify you for all major loan programs: conventional, FHA, VA and USDA loans all have lower minimum requirements, and even jumbo loans require a 700 score at minimum.
Mortgages with a 704 Credit Score
More than 40% of first mortgages go to borrowers with credit scores below 740, so you should be able to finance your home purchase without much issue.
However, with a 723 credit score, you should qualify for rates on-par with national averages. Also, even though your score qualifies you for a mortgage, it's important to know that the lower your score is, the stronger the rest of your qualifications are generally expected to be.
An 830 credit score is often considered very good — or even excellent. With excellent credit, your credit scores become more of a bridge and less of a roadblock — a high score can help you qualify for premium rewards credit cards, auto loans and mortgages with the best terms.
With the most popular credit-scoring models, the lowest credit score possible is 300, but some people may have no credit score due to limited or nonexistent credit histories.
Less than 21% of people have a credit score in the 800-850 range.
A bad credit score is a FICO score below 580, meaning it falls in the poor credit range. Along the same lines, a bad score in the VantageScore model is one below 601, which would belong in the poor or very poor credit ranges.
An 825 credit score is often considered very good — or even excellent. A very good or excellent credit score can mean you're more likely to be approved for good offers and rates when it comes to mortgages, auto loans and credit cards with rewards and other perks.
What mortgage rate can I get with a credit score of 825?
| FICO Score | National average mortgage APR |
|---|---|
| 660 to 679 | 7.589% |
| 680 to 699 | 7.375% |
| 700 to 759 | 7.198% |
| 760 to 850 | 6.976% |
To qualify for a conventional loan, you'll need a credit score of at least 620, though some lenders may choose to approve conventional mortgage applications only for borrowers with credit scores of 680 and up.
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans need at least a 580 FICO Score with at least a 3.5% down payment (which amounts to $10,500 on a $300,000 home). Conventional loans require a minimum FICO® Score of 620 along with a 3% down payment (which amounts to $9,000 on a $300,000 home).
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As far as the simple math goes, a $200,000 home loan at a 7% interest rate on a 30-year term will give you a $1,330.60 monthly payment. That $200K monthly mortgage payment includes the principal and interest.
What Credit Score Do I Need for a 0% APR Car Loan? The exact credit score you might need to qualify for a 0% APR loan varies depending on your situation. Many lenders require a minimum score of at least 700. Others require excellent credit scores, such as 720, 750, or even 800.
