What Is the Average Credit Score in America for 2025?

What is the average credit score, and why is it important? A question that strikes you mostly when you're trying to get a new line of credit. It is a number that shows how you manage debt and make payments. A high credit score can help you get lower interest rates and better offers. But a low score can make borrowing harder and more expensive.

Knowing the average score tells you where you stand compared to others. And it helps you see what to improve for better loan chances. In this detailed guide, you will see the current average score in the U.S. And you will learn how lenders view it along with ways to raise your score.

What Is the Average Credit Score(U.S.)?

The national average FICO® Score was 715 in early 2025. The average U.S. citizen credit score dropped from 717 in April 2024 because of rising loan delinquencies. Most lenders still consider a 715–717 score as Good. But each lender uses its own rules. And your score is only one part of how they decide to approve you.

The FICO Score scale begins from 300 and runs to 850. And this is how it’s rated:

• Exceptional (800 +) – You are well above average and may get top offers.
• Very Good (740–799) – You are above average and may get attractive loan terms.
• Good (670–739) – You are near average and can get financing options.
• Fair (580–669) – You are below average and may face higher interest rates.
• Poor (Below 580) – You are far below average and may be denied credit.

A higher score gives you better chances for lower interest rates and flexible terms. And you can build your score by paying all bills on time every month. Keeping your credit use low also makes you look less risky to lenders. But you should check your credit report regularly to correct any errors.

What Is a Good FICO® Score?

FICO Scores from 670 to 739 are good. If your score is above 739, it’s very good or even exceptional. And FICO also makes special scores for industries like credit cards and auto loans. These scores range from 250 to 900, but the good range stays the same. A good score can help you get loans approved more easily. And it can help you get lower interest rates from lenders.

How Is Your FICO Score Calculated?

Your FICO Score comes from five main parts of your credit history. The exact formula is private.

▪ Payment History (35%)

This is the most important part of your FICO Score. If you pay on time, your score stays strong. But missed payments or bankruptcies will lower it fast. Chapter 13 bankruptcy stays for seven years on your report. And Chapter 7 stays for ten years before it disappears. Pay at least the minimum on time to avoid damage.

▪ Credit Balance (30%)

This is how much you owe compared to your total credit limit. It’s called your credit utilization ratio. And it matters a lot. Keep it under 30% to protect your score. But staying under 10% is even better. High balances make lenders see you as risky. And it also includes loans like mortgages and car payments.

▪ Length of Credit History (15%)

The longer your credit history, the better it is for your score. If you’re new to credit, you’ll start with a low score. Old accounts help even if you don’t use them. But closing them can shorten your history and lower your score. You can keep them active with small purchases paid off monthly.

▪ Types of Credit (10%)

There are two main types—revolving and installment credit. Revolving credit, like credit cards, can be used again after repayment. And installment credit, like loans, ends after you pay in full. Having both types shows you can manage different payments well. This can include credit cards, loans, and mortgages.

▪ New Credit (10%)

Opening too many new credit accounts at once can hurt your score. Every time you apply, a hard inquiry appears on your report. It affects your score for a year but stays for two years. And too many new accounts make lenders see you as overextended. Only open new credit when you need it and can handle it.

What Is the Average Credit Score by Age?

Average credit scores vary across different age groups in the U.S.

What Is the Average Credit Score in the U.S. by State?

Average credit scores vary from state to state. They reflect differences in financial behavior and local economic conditions.

You Don’t Just Have One Credit Score

It’s a myth that you have only one credit score. You actually have many, and they don’t always match.

There are three main credit bureaus—Equifax^®, Experian^®, and TransUnion^®. Each one collects your credit information using its own system. So the data they hold about you can be slightly different.

Even when they use the same scoring model, results may still vary. That’s because the information used in the calculation isn’t always the same. A late payment might appear on one report but not the others.

There are also different scoring models like FICO^® and VantageScore^®. Both check similar things like payments, debt, and credit history. But they use different formulas to score your credit.

One model may focus more on your payment history. Another may care more about how much debt you have. So your score depends on which model and data are being used.

You can also have different scores for different types of loans. For example, an auto loan score won’t match your credit card score. That’s why your scores change depending on where you check them. And it’s normal to see slight differences across platforms.

Just make sure you pay on time and keep your balances low. These habits help keep all your scores in good shape. No matter the model.

What Is a Good VantageScore^® Credit Score?

VantageScore 3.0 and 4.0 also range from 300 to 850, and 661 to 780 is good. Unlike FICO, VantageScore doesn’t have different versions for specific industries. But older models had a 501 to 990 range, and they aren’t used much now. Both FICO and VantageScore reward timely payments and low credit use. And if you pay bills on time and use less credit, your score will grow.

How to Improve Your VantageScore Credit Score?

VantageScore works like FICO, but the scoring factors can be slightly different. And the same good habits can help you raise both types of scores.

▪ Pay Your Bills on Time

Late payments hurt your score more than you think. If you miss one by over 30 days, the damage can be big. And even one late payment can stay on your report for years. Pay all bills before the due date to keep your score safe. If you already have late payments, clear them as soon as you can.

▪ Keep Credit Card Balances Low

Your balance compared to your credit limit matters a lot. This is called your credit utilization rate. And it can make a big difference in your score. Using less than 30% of your limit is a good start. But going even lower can help your score improve faster.

▪ Keep Old Credit Cards Open

Closing old cards can lower your available credit. And that can make your utilization rate go up. Which usually means your score will go down. Unless the card has high fees or puts you at risk of debt, keep it open.

▪ Avoid Too Many Credit Applications

Every new credit application can temporarily lower your score. And applying too often makes the impact worse. Only apply when you truly need new credit. But if you must, try to leave some months between applications.

▪ Use a Mix of Credit Types

A mix of accounts can help your score grow. This means having both revolving accounts, like credit cards, and personal or auto loans. And if you open a new account, choose a fee-free option to save money.

▪ Avoid Taking on Too Much Debt

High debt makes it harder to keep up with payments. And it increases the risk of damaging your score. Before borrowing, make sure you can afford the payment easily. But if it feels like a stretch, it’s better to wait.

▪ Check Your Credit Reports

Mistakes in your report can bring your score down. And they’re more common than most people think. Check your credit report at least once a year to be sure. If you find an error, dispute it with the credit bureaus for free.

Improve Your Credit with CoolCredit

Falling below the average credit score affects your financial stability. A lower score can certainly increase the cost of borrowing. And it can impact things like renting a home or getting certain jobs. The good news? Your credit score isn’t fixed. It’s something you can improve with the right tools and guidance.

Instead of relying on scattered advice, having a structured plan can help. That’s where CoolCredit becomes your all-in-one credit improvement ally.

With CoolCredit, you can:

• Monitor your credit reports in real time – Get instant alerts if anything unusual appears.
• Track your credit score trends – Understand how your actions affect your financial health over time.
• Dispute inaccuracies effortlessly – The system identifies errors in your reports. It then generates professional dispute letters reviewed by experts and sends them to the credit bureaus for you.
• Get AI-powered credit improvement tips – Learn exactly what steps to take to raise your score faster.
• Use the Booster Payment Plan – Make on-time payments that get reported to the credit bureaus. This helps you rebuild and strengthen your credit score through no-interest plans.
• Access Expert Assist – Resolve complex credit issues with expert guidance for long-term success.

With a strategic approach and the right support, you can push past your current score above average credit score.

Conclusion

Understanding the average credit score helps you see where you stand today. And knowing how it affects loan approvals, interest rates, and terms is important. The next step is to work on improving and protecting your score. CoolCredit can help you track progress and follow the right habits. Start making small changes so your score works for you, not against you.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Credit Score(U.S.)?

A: In early 2025, the national average FICO® Score was 715. While it’s slightly lower than last year, it’s still considered a solid range for getting decent loan terms.

Q: What Is the Average U.S. Citizen Credit Score and How Is It Viewed by Lenders?

A: The average U.S. citizen’s credit score is 715, which most lenders see as good. Still, approval depends on more than just your score—income, debt, and credit history all matter too.

Q: What Is the Average Credit Score and What Can It Get You?

A: With an average credit score of 715, many borrowers can access fair interest rates and flexible payment options.

Q: What Average Credit Score in America Is Considered Good for Loans?

A: In the U.S., scores above 670 are generally seen as good for loans. The closer you get to 740 or more, the better your chances for top-tier offers.

Q: How Does the Average Credit Score Compare to a Good Credit Score?

A: The average U.S. credit score is 715, which already sits in the good range. But moving above 739 can open doors to lower rates and exclusive offers.

Q: Does the Average Credit Score Change Every Year In America?

A: Yes, the average credit score shifts with economic trends and borrowing habits. Factors like late payments, rising debt, or better repayment patterns can push it up or down.