The average credit score in the United States: A credit score is a measure of the likelihood that a person will pay back a debt within a certain period of time. Let’s look at the average credit score in the United States.
In the United States, the FICO Score from Fair Isaac Corp. and Vantage are two of the most widely used credit scoring models. In both models, scores range between 300 and 850, and higher scores are better.
Due to the great economic diversity within the United States, the average credit score in the United States varies greatly between different populations, ages, and income levels, some of which are discussed below.
- Average Credit Score
- Median homebuyer credit score
- Median Income Credit Score
- Credit Score Variations by State
- Average credit score by age
Page Contents
What is the average credit score in the U.S?
Different scoring models cause this figure to fluctuate by a few points, but most fall between 660 and 720. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau defines this as a “prime” score.
The invisible credit problem affects approximately 14% of the population. Therefore, credit will be difficult to obtain for these underbanked people.
Credit scores are highly variable in the eyes of lenders, which indicates how risky it is for them to extend credit to an individual. As well as affecting loan approvals, these scores can also affect an individual’s loan terms. Interest rates are one of the most important conditions.
An individual’s credit score affects the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) that is applied to a loan.
Credit scores are typically classified as follows:
- 720 or higher: Excellent
- 660 – 719: Fair
- 620 – 659: Poor
- 620 or less: Poor
| Year | Average Credit Score | Rating of subprime mortgages (620) | Near Prime Credit Score (620 – 680) | Prime Credit Score (680+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 695 | N/A | Does not apply | N/A |
| 2014 | 693 | 34.2% | 16.9% | 48.9% |
| 2013 | 691 | 35.2% | 16.5% | 48.3% |
| 2012 | 690 | 35.7% | 15.5% | 48.8% |
| 2011 | 690 | 36.3% | 15.3% | 48.4% |
| 2010 | 687 | 36.8% | 14.9% | 48.3% |
| 2009 | 687 | 36.8% | 14.6% | 48.6% |
| 2008 | 690 | 36.7% | 14.7% | 48.6% |
| 2007 | 690 | 36.7% | 15.3% | 48.0% |
| 2006 | 690 | 36.7% | 15.8% | 47.5% |
| 2005 | 688 | 36.9% | 16.1% | 47.0% |
Even though the average credit score has generally improved, there was a slight decline during the recession of 2009/2010. When many people filed for bankruptcy or defaulted on their loans, their credit scores plummeted, which in turn affected the average.
A major difference in credit scores can be seen between different age groups.
The average FICO score tends to increase with age.
There is only one anomaly in the group of 30 to 39 years of age. Consumers with a credit score below 620 make up the largest group of consumers.
The financial situation of many individuals in their 30s coincides with this trend. Weddings, first mortgages, etc., are among the most important expenses and debts that accumulate during this phase of life.
This age group has the highest amount of credit card debt, according to a study of American credit card habits.
As a result of the Credit Card Act of 2009, it has become significantly more difficult to open a credit card account for 18-21 year olds. Consequently, many young adults are taking longer than they used to to build a credit history, driving down the averages.
Most Americans reach their forties with a good or excellent FICO score. The average continues to improve as they age.
Keep Reading: What is the severity of credit card fraud and identity theft?
Credit scores increase with income level.
Despite the fact that debt and income are not directly related to credit scores, there is an indirect relationship between them.
Credit utilization is one of the factors that organizations like FICO consider when analysing a consumer’s credit risk. This is the percentage of the total available credit that the consumer uses from month to month.
Your credit line will be lower if your income is lower.
The chart below shows the median credit score of an individual’s income in relation to the median household income.
By comparing the income of the respondents to the median household income in the statistical area in which they lived, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis was able to control for any economic factors. Different cities have different economic factors.
What is the average credit score in the United States across the country?
The lowest credit scores are generally found in the southern states: Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Alabama.
Due to the recession, most of the nation has seen a decline in open credit accounts since 2005. These few states continue to show low numbers, while the rest of the country is recovering.
Credit health in states such as Minnesota and North Dakota has shown resilience in the face of the economic downturn. These states had mean scores of 709 and 697, respectively.
A recent study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York focused on the status and availability of credit in the United States. There were only three states where more than 40% of the population was considered high risk:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Snowfall
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
| Range | Condition | Average Credit Score | Average number of credit cards | Average credit card balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | Alaska | 668 | 2.9 | $8,515 |
| 48 | Alabama | 654 | 2.69 | $5,961 |
| 43 | Arkansas | 657 | 2.76 | $5,660 |
| 3. 4 | Arizona | 669 | 3.04 | $6,389 |
| 24 | California | 680 | 3.23 | $6,481 |
| 15 | Colorado | 688 | 3.13 | $6,718 |
| 12 | Connecticut | 690 | 3.23 | $7,258 |
| 33 | District of Columbia | 670 | 2.98 | $6,963 |
| 31 | Delaware | 672 | 3.13 | $6,366 |
| 35 | Florida | 668 | 3.19 | $6,388 |
| 48 | Georgia | 654 | 2.97 | $6,675 |
| 10 | Hawaii | 693 | 3.25 | $6,981 |
| 8 | Iowa | 695 | 2.67 | $5,155 |
| 23 | Idaho | 681 | 2.88 | $5,817 |
| 21 | Illinois | 683 | 3.14 | $6,410 |
| 37 | Indiana | 667 | 2.77 | $5,581 |
| 24 | Kansas | 680 | 2.82 | $6,082 |
| 39 | Kentucky | 663 | 2.78 | $5,555 |
| 50 | Louisiana | 650 | 2.77 | $6,074 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 699 | 3.21 | $6,327 |
| 31 | Maryland | 672 | 3.16 | $7,043 |
| 13 | Maine | 689 | 2.91 | $5,784 |
| 29 | Michigan | 677 | 2.91 | $5,622 |
| 1 | Minnesota | 709 | 2.97 | $5,911 |
| 30 | Missouri | 675 | 2.91 | $5,897 |
| 51 | Mississippi | 647 | 2.57 | $5,421 |
| 13 | Mountain | 689 | 2.87 | $5,845 |
| 38 | North Carolina | 666 | 2.95 | $6,117 |
| 6 | North Dakota | 697 | 2.9 | $5,511 |
| 8 | Nebraska | 695 | 2.83 | $5,630 |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 701 | 3.1 | $6,490 |
| 20 | New Jersey | 686 | 3.49 | $7,151 |
| 41 | new Mexico | 659 | 2.79 | $6,317 |
| 47 | Snowfall | 655 | 3.18 | $6,401 |
| 15 | New York | 688 | 3.34 | $6,671 |
| 27 | Ohio | 678 | 3.02 | $5,843 |
| 45 | Oklahoma | 656 | 2.71 | $6,296 |
| 15 | Oregon | 688 | 2.95 | $6,012 |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | 687 | 3.07 | $6,146 |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 687 | 3.26 | $6,375 |
| 43 | South Carolina | 657 | 2.9 | $6,157 |
| 4 | South Dakota | 700 | 2.8 | $5,692 |
| 40 | Tennessee | 662 | 2.77 | $5,975 |
| 45 | Texas | 656 | 3.06 | $6,902 |
| 21 | Utah | 683 | 2.95 | $5,960 |
| 24 | Virginia | 680 | 3.08 | $7,161 |
| 2 | Vermont | 702 | 2.86 | $5,924 |
| 10 | Washington | 693 | 2.99 | $6,592 |
| 7 | Wisconsin | 696 | 2.8 | $5,363 |
| 42 | West Virginia | 658 | 2.76 | $5,547 |
| 27 | Wyoming | 678 | 2.81 | $6,245 |
Analysis
The table is depicted as a photograph of the credit scores of the different states that make up the union in 2019. What’s most interesting is the variation between the credit scores of each state.
It is most striking that most states fall below the national average when looking at the table above.
Additionally, in South Carolina, 20% of the population had a weak, difficult or declining credit situation, that is, they were 60 days or more behind on their credit bills.
In terms of the percentage of the population with weak or difficult credit, Mississippi came in second with 19%.
Average credit score for home buyers in the United States
The average credit score for a homebuyer is 728, slightly above the national average.
According to the Federal Reserve, only 6.8% of 85,369 mortgage applicants had a score below 620.
A report on the credit circumstances of home borrowers was released by the Federal Reserve Bank of the United States in 2010. Based on minority status, the data broke down average credit scores of borrowers.
The median credit scores of all consumer groups except black and African-American consumers exceeded 700. The FICO score of Asian borrowers was the highest at 745.
| Cluster | Average homebuyer credit score | % of borrowers scoring 620 |
|---|---|---|
| Asian | 745 | 2.60% |
| Black or African American | 677 | 21.30% |
| White Hispanic or Latino | 701 | 11.20% |
| Non-Hispanic whites | 734 | 5.40% |
| All the rest | 732 | 6.30% |
The importance of knowing how to get credit in the U.S.
You must be asking yourself: “Why do I need a good credit score?”.
It may not be necessary for you to have a credit history right now.
The problem is that at some point, you’ll find an opportunity that you may not be able to access because of your credit score.
How would you finance your business if you had to rent a car or apply for a loan or credit card?
It is likely that your credit score is low and lenders will not actually allow you to borrow money or offer you lower terms and rates.
Without these opportunities, you will be unable to grow your business.
However, knowing how to build credit in the USA can save you thousands of dollars on a car loan or other options, such as credit cards.
An excellent credit score can result in thousands of dollars in interest rate savings on long-term loans.
What do credit scores mean?
You can use these credit scores to determine how likely you are to be approved for a new loan.
- Insufficient credit (300-579 points): You are not eligible to be a creditor of the financing instruments.
- Regular credit scores (580-669 points) allow for more financing, but these are not the best.
- Good (670-739 points): It is the standard, where credit is easily accessible, and interest rates are reasonable.
- Excellent (800 – 850 points): A credit score exceeding 800 points is the best.
The type of interest and the magnitude of the savings you can achieve when taking out a loan is also determined by each of these factors.
How can I get my free credit score?
In the United States, you have the right to order a free credit report once a year from any of the three major credit agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
A FICO score report can be purchased at myfico.com , but more and more banks are offering this service for free.
Bank of America, among others, gives you access to your credit score through its online banking.
There are also other sites, such as CreditKarma or CreditWise, that allow you to open free accounts to check your credit score.
Where do credit scores come from?
Your credit score is calculated by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion (the three bureaus we mentioned).
For each one, the digits of your score are determined by a different mathematical formula.
In order for this formula to work, what information is needed?
Generally, direct debit payment history, service payment history, debts and credit card payments are considered.
By paying your services and credit cards before the due date, you improve your history and, consequently, your credit score.
How is the credit score calculated in the USA?
In the United States, the two main credit scores are VantageScore and FICO.
Both are calculated using different formulas, but they’re based on very similar factors.
- Payment history is the most important factor, both in FICO (where it represents 35%) and in credit reports.
- An index of how well you manage your finances is the debt-to-income ratio. It is best to keep your debt-to-income ratio under 30%.
- Credit history length: The age of the credit lines you have on your credit report can have a significant impact on your score.
- Excessive inquiries (hard pulls). Credit scores can be impacted by excessive inquiries. In other words, the more credit you request, the greater the impact on your score (unless the credit offers a soft pull).
Keep Reading: What is the Capital One card that earns miles when used?
Here are 19 tips for making fast credit in the USA
What can I do to improve my credit score table as soon as possible and get a good score?
In the next section, tips and techniques for establishing credit in the US will be presented in order to earn the greatest number of points as quickly as possible.
Make a rent report
The property manager may not report your rental payments to the credit bureaus if you’re renting a property in the United States.
When Camino Financial members begin reporting their rent, their credit scores increase by more than 50 points in just a few weeks.
The most effective thing you can do is to be proactive in reporting your rent to the credit bureaus.
More information about reporting your rental can be found on Experian.
Get a secured credit card
Would you like to know how to increase your credit score in the USA? Credit cards are a great option!
There is a difference between a secured credit card and a prepaid debit card. Does one suit your needs better than the other?
- Secured credit cards require a security deposit of about $200.
The annual percentage rate ranges from 9.99% to 18.95%. - As long as you have a credit history, you can apply for an unsecured credit card, which does not require an initial deposit.
A comparison of secured and unsecured credit cards can be found here.
Remember to use your card responsibly, make small purchases and always pay on time.
You shouldn’t open multiple lines of credit at the same time. If you’re excited, you might want to get multiple credit cards.
You will be penalized if you apply for credit from multiple creditors in a short period of time.
Electronics can be purchased in instalments
You should purchase appliances and electronic devices in instalments.
It is not ideal if you already have a credit history, but it can be an excellent way to establish credit if you do not.
What is the difference between doing this and getting a credit card?
It is advisable to use a credit card for purchases, but you can hurt your credit if you exceed 30% of your credit limit.
You can build credit by paying in instalments, however.
If you are buying something in instalments, make sure the store reports these payments to your credit bureau.
It is not a good thing to see on your credit report that you have not paid your utilities or other financial obligations.
Make sure your automatic payments are set up if you would like to receive payment alerts.
Instalment loans can be used to consolidate debt
If you have already exceeded your credit card debt limit by 30%, you need to consider your options for consolidating your card debt into a single instalment loan.
A personal loan may be a better option for you if you cannot find a lender willing to refinance your credit card debt.
If you have commercial debts, however, a business loan may be more appropriate.
Maintain a regular credit report request
A person with a good credit history does it regularly.
Your credit report is available for free from the three major credit bureaus , on Credit Karma , or you can request it through your bank.
As soon as you get your credit report, you will be able to spot inaccurate information and take steps to correct it.
Additionally, you will be able to see how the changes made a positive impact after implementing these tips on how to make a credit score table.
Maintain credit lines as long as possible
If you are looking for how to create a credit score table in the USA, time is one of the keys.
Having lines of credit available over a long period of time gives creditors a higher credit score.
Rather than accruing debt by being forced to close accounts, you show them that you’re capable of maintaining long-term relationships with creditors.
Using the length of time a borrower has had credit extended, credit limits, and payment history, credit bureaus determine a borrower’s credit score.
Additionally, they can check whether you make timely payments on your line of credit.
Never exceed 30% of your credit limit
The general rule of thumb in the United States is that you should not exceed 30% of your credit card limit.
You will actually damage your credit rather than build it as soon as you start exceeding this limit.
When your credit utilization exceeds 30%, it is a warning to the credit bureaus that you are not using your credit wisely.
Camino Financial recommends staying within 5% to 30% of your credit card limit. This helps you build your credit score table with a good score.
Sometimes, when you first build a credit history, your credit score receives a major boost.
Make sure you pay off your credit card balance every month
You may think it’s time to use your credit card and buy things in instalments now that you have one.
No, not necessarily.
In order to increase your credit score, you should always use your credit card to make purchases and pay the balance at the end of the month.
You will not only avoid paying interest, but you will establish a great payment history as well.
You can learn how to correctly use your credit card to increase your credit score here.
Ask your card company when it reports your payments
The day your financial institution reports your card payment history may not coincide with your cut-off date.
If there are no outstanding balances, it gives a better impression than if there are outstanding balances (since it is not yet a cut-off date).
When your payment history is reported, you can make sure you have a low balance at that time to make a good impression.
Make more than one payment every month
By keeping a low balance at all times, you can increase your credit score in some cases.
Banks and financial institutions in the United States may not be able to provide an exact date when your payment history is reported.
Thus, you should keep your balance low for as long as possible.
For this purpose, you can make more than one payment per month.
Limit the number of credit applications
If you fill out a credit application, creditors contact the credit bureaus for a thorough consultation or verification.
A credit check affects your credit score and stays on your report for two years.
Your credit score can be lowered by 5-10 points each time you conduct an in-depth inquiry.
An excessive number of inquiries can negatively affect your credit score, resulting in high interest rates.
Your credit application could be rejected in the worst case scenario.
Set up a checking account
If you have never established credit, open a checking or savings account at your local bank.
If you do not do this, you will not build credit, but you will be better positioned to get a loan or apply for a credit card from a financial institution.
If you make deposits and withdrawals without overdrawing your accounts, they can see that you understand how to manage money.
You will start building your credit score chart the minute you get a loan and pay off your debt.
Discover the best business checking accounts available on the market by reading on.
Ensure that unpaid debts are not sent to a collection agency
During a financial crisis, if you are unable to make payments to your lenders, you should work closely with them.
You must take this step if you want to improve your credit score.
You may be able to set up a different payment plan if you inform them of your current situation.
Since most collection agencies settle unpaid bills by reducing debt, it is in their best interest to do so.
Increasing your income
As your income increases, your debt-to-income ratio decreases.
Borrowers who are about to receive a raise or bonus can make a favorable impression on lenders by doing this.
Raising your salary may even enable you to apply for a larger amount of credit.
Closing credit cards that you have already paid off is not a good idea
Do not close your credit card account just because you aren’t using it.
Credit available on unused cards is still counted toward lowering your credit utilization rate, even if you’re not using it.
Therefore, keep those accounts open as a strategy to improve your credit score!
Try to have emergency funds
It is always a good idea to have a safety cushion.
When unforeseen expenses arise, instead of maxing out your credit cards, you can make use of your savings.
As soon as possible, start building this savings account. Contributing between $25 and $50 a month is a great start, even if it’s only a small amount.
Have a variety of credit types
There are many factors that contribute to your credit score:
It does not only refer to your credit card use, but also to business loans, mortgages, car loans, etc.
Diversifying your credit mix can help you improve your credit history and improve your credit score if you can afford a new type of loan.
Keep Reading: Best person-to-person loans (P2P) in the United States
What effect does your credit score have on you?
A bad credit score or a good credit score impacts the following economic areas:
A good FICO or VantageScore is needed to apply for a rental or mortgage with a real estate agent.
When applying for a credit card, it is important to have at least a good payment history.
Auto insurance and car loans: Insurance companies must ensure their customers can pay their debts and keep their risk low.
Filing for bankruptcy can also adversely affect your credit rating.
Some home service providers require good credit ratings from their customers in order to avoid paying deposits.
Is it possible to achieve a credit score of 850?
It is possible, but rare. Approximately 1% of all FICO scores in the United States are 850, according to Experian. Typically, those with credit scores of 850 have a low credit utilization rate, no late payments on their credit reports, and a long credit history.
Keep in mind, however, that you don’t have to have a perfect credit score. If your credit score is considered “just” excellent (approximately 800 or higher), you will be able to qualify for the best loan rates and terms.
What is the minimum credit score to be approved for a credit card?
There is no universal minimum credit score. When deciding whether to approve you for a credit card, credit card companies have different requirements for credit scores.
You are more likely to qualify for most credit cards if you have a higher credit score. Your options will be more limited if your credit is fair or poor, and you may qualify for a lower credit limit and a higher interest rate.
What is the most important credit score?
All credit scores are important. There are different credit scores used by different lenders. Make sure you pay your bills on time, limit the number of new credit applications, maintain a mix of credit cards and loans, and minimize your debt to maintain a good credit score.
How many points does the credit go up per month?
There is no simple answer, since it depends on what you do to improve your credit history in the United States.
However, it also depends on your situation. As you can see, it is not the same to increase your credit if you have been in bankruptcy than if you do not have any previous history of bankruptcy.
According to your particular situation and actions, the credit will increase by a certain amount per month.
If you follow our recommendations, you can improve your credit score by 60 points in 60 days.
Is age a factor when calculating credit scores?
No, not directly.
However, if we consider the age of your bank accounts or lines of credit when calculating your score, things change.
Older people tend to have higher average scores.
Therefore, you don’t need to be older to have a better credit profile, but clearly older people have kept their credit accounts open longer.
I hope now you have a clearer picture of the average credit score in the United States.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!
