What Is a Good FICO Score in the US? (2026 Guide)

If you are planning to buy a home, lease a car, or even apply for a new credit card this year, you are probably asking yourself: what is a good FICO score in the US?

It is the single most important number in your financial life. A "good" score can save you thousands of dollars in interest, while a "poor" score can stop your financial dreams in their tracks. In this guide, we will break down the official 2026 FICO ranges, explain exactly how your score is calculated, and show you simple math to boost your rating.

The Official FICO Score Ranges (2026)

The Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) is the standard model used by 90% of top lenders in the United States. While there are other models like VantageScore, your FICO score is what banks usually check before approving a loan.

FICO scores range from 300 to 850. Here is the official breakdown of where you stand:

Currently, the average FICO score in the US is around 717. If your score is above 670, you are generally in safe territory. However, if you want the best mortgage rates, you should aim for at least 760.

Why Your Credit Score Matters for Your Wallet

Many people ignore their credit report until it is too late. The difference between a "Good" score and a "Very Good" score might seem small, but the mathematical impact on your wallet is massive.

1. Mortgage Interest Rates

Housing is the biggest expense for most Americans. Lenders use your FICO score to determine your mortgage risk.

• Borrower A (760 Score): Might get a 6.5% interest rate.
• Borrower B (620 Score): Might get a 8.1% interest rate.

On a $300,000 home loan over 30 years, Borrower B will pay $100,000+ more in interest than Borrower A.

2. Auto Loan Terms

When you finance a car, your APR (Annual Percentage Rate) is heavily tied to your credit history. A score below 600 often results in double-digit interest rates, meaning you could end up paying more for the loan than the car is worth.

3. Credit Card Approvals

Premium rewards cards—those offering travel points or cash back—usually require a score of 720 or higher. If you have a lower score, you may be limited to "secured" cards that require a cash deposit.

How Is Your FICO Score Calculated?

Understanding the math behind the score is the secret to fixing it. FICO uses five specific factors to calculate your number.

Struggling with debt? Use our credit card payoff tool to create a debt-free plan.

Quick Tips to Improve Your FICO Score in 2026

If your score is currently in the "Fair" or "Poor" range, don't panic. You can repair it with discipline.

1. Dispute Errors: Check your credit report for mistakes. If you see a late payment that wasn't late, dispute it immediately.
2. Ask for a Limit Increase: Call your credit card company and ask for a higher limit to lower your utilization ratio.
3. Become an Authorized User: Ask a family member with excellent credit to add you to their card.
4. Pay Down High Balances: Use the "Avalanche Method" to pay off cards with the highest interest rates first.

Check out our debt snowball calculator to compare payoff strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

So, what is a good FICO score in the US? Anything above 670 puts you in the game, but aiming for 740+ makes you a VIP customer for banks. Your credit score is more than just a number; it is a financial tool. By keeping your balances low and paying on time, you can unlock the door to homeownership and financial freedom.