Credit Score Estimator
Estimate your credit score based on payment history, utilization, and factors.
What is a Credit Score?
A credit score is a three-digit number (300-850) that represents your creditworthiness. Lenders use it to assess the risk of lending you money. Higher scores mean lower risk, resulting in better interest rates and loan terms. The most common scoring model is FICO, used by 90% of top U.S. lenders.
Credit Score Factors
- •FICO score factors: (1) Payment History (35%)—on-time payments are critical, (2) Credit Utilization (30%)—keep below 30%, ideally below 10%, (3) Credit Age (15%)—longer history is better, (4) Credit Mix (10%)—diverse credit types help, (5) New Credit (10%)—too many inquiries hurt your score.
Credit Score Ranges
Excellent (800-850): Best rates and terms. Very Good (740-799): Above-average rates. Good (670-739): Acceptable to most lenders. Fair (580-669): Higher rates, limited options. Poor (300-579): May require deposit or co-signer. Most mortgage lenders require at least 620.
How to Improve Your Credit Score
Pay all bills on time (set up autopay). Keep credit card balances below 30% of limits (ideally below 10%). Don't close old credit cards (they build credit age). Limit new credit applications. Check your credit report annually for errors and dispute inaccuracies. Become an authorized user on a family member's old card.
Common Credit Score Mistakes
Closing old credit cards (reduces credit age and available credit). Maxing out credit cards (high utilization hurts score). Missing payments by even a few days (30-day late payments stay on report for 7 years). Applying for multiple credit cards in short periods (multiple hard inquiries). Ignoring credit report errors (dispute inaccuracies immediately).
Comparison Analysis
Credit Score Ranges and Impact
| Criteria | Excellent (800-850) | Very Good (740-799) | Good (670-739) | Fair (580-669) | Poor (300-579) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approval Rate | ~99% | ~95% | ~80% | ~50% | ~20% |
| Mortgage Rate (approx) | 6.0% | 6.3% | 6.8% | 7.5% | Denied or 9%+ |
| Auto Loan Rate (approx) | 4.5% | 5.5% | 7.0% | 10.0% | 15%+ |
| Credit Card Options | Premium rewards cards | Most cards | Standard cards | Limited options | Secured cards only |
Content Verification
Expert Review
Reviewed by James Wright, Certified Credit Counselor (CCC), Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC)
Authoritative Sources
Based on FICO scoring methodology, CFPB guidelines, and credit bureau standards
Last Reviewed
Content verified May 2026 against current FICO scoring model and lending standards