If you're planning to buy a home, finance a car or get approved for a better credit card, your credit score can play a major role in that process. But what is considered a good credit score – and how do you get there?

If you don't know where to start, we can help. We’ve outlined what qualifies as a good credit score under different models and why your score matters – plus how to build and keep strong credit over time.

Defining a Good Credit Score

A “good” credit score can mean different things under different circumstances. Here are some objective ways to measure and categorize your credit score.

Credit Score Ranges

Credit scores are basically a three-digit snapshot of your creditworthiness – they represent a quick and easy way for lenders, landlords and others to decide how likely you are to repay borrowed money on time. Credit scores are calculated using the information in your credit reports, and they usually fall somewhere between 300 (lowest possible) and 850 (highest possible).

The higher your score, the lower the perceived risk, and the more access you may have to good loan terms, premium credit cards and competitive interest rates.

And while dozens of different credit scoring models exist, two key players dominate the market: FICO® Score and VantageScore®. Both use the same overall scale of 300 to 850, but they weigh certain factors differently and may interpret your credit data in slightly different ways.

This means your score can vary depending on which model – and even which credit bureau’s report – lenders are using. Both FICO and VantageScore cap at 850, which is the highest credit score you can achieve. Only a small percentage of people ever reach this level, but you don’t need a perfect 850 to get the best financial opportunities.

Here’s a basic summary of both scoring models:

FICO® Score ranges:

  • 300–579: Poor – If your score is in this range, your credit report may feature powerful negative marks such as late payments, high debt levels, or bankruptcies, making it difficult to qualify for most credit products without high interest rates or putting down collateral.

  • 580–669: Fair – While better than poor credit, this range still signals higher risk for lenders. You might qualify for credit, but you’ll probably face higher rates and fewer lender options.

  • 670–739: Good – Most lenders consider this a healthy range. You can generally get access to a broad variety of credit products and get reasonably competitive terms.

  • 740–799: Very Good – If your score is in this range, you'll likely get lower-than-average interest rates, higher credit limits and/or more favorable loan conditions.

  • 800–850: Exceptional – This is elite territory. With a score in this range, you’ll generally qualify for the very best interest rates, the most rewarding credit cards and VIP loan terms.

VantageScore® ranges

  • 300–600: Subprime – This range is a red flag for credit risk. With a score in this range, you may struggle to be approved for new credit, and interest rates may be high.

  • 601–660: Near Prime – This range is still considered risky, but it’s slightly stronger than subprime. In this range, lenders may extend you credit, but you should expect limited options and higher costs.

  • 661–780: Prime (Good) – If you're in this category, you’ll generally enjoy solid approval odds and competitive rates on loans and credit cards.

  • 781–850: Super Prime – This is VantageScore’s highest tier, signaling excellent credit management. It often opens the door to the best financing deals available.

Understanding where your credit score falls on these rating scales is key. Even small shifts within a range – say, from 675 to 710 – can get you better offers, higher limits and lower borrowing costs.

Benchmarks for Good Credit

So, what’s a good credit score? Generally, a FICO score of 670 or higher and a VantageScore of 661 or above are considered “good.” And while you don’t need a perfect credit score (850) to qualify for top-tier offers, reaching the "very good" or "excellent" range can help you unlock better rates, higher limits and more favorable overall terms.

Once you understand where your score falls, the next step is knowing why it matters.

Importance of a Good Credit Score

A good credit score is more than just a number – it’s a powerful financial tool that can open doors and save you money in the long run. If you’re applying for a mortgage, applying for a new credit card, renting an apartment or even interviewing for a job, your score can influence not only whether you’re approved but also the terms you receive.

A strong credit history signals to lenders and other decision-makers that you’re a reliable, low-risk borrower, which can lead to lower interest rates, higher credit limits and better overall opportunities.

Here’s more about how your credit score can influence specific borrowing decisions:

Loan Approval and Interest Rates

A higher credit score signals low risk to lenders, which can improve your chances of approval for mortgages, personal loans, auto financing and more. More importantly, it can help you qualify for lower interest rates. For illustration only: improving your credit score can significantly reduce total interest paid on large loans like mortgages, depending on the rate, term, downpayment, and other factors.  .

Credit Card Offers

Credit card companies may reserve their best offers – like cash back rewards, low APRs and high credit limits – for applicants with good or excellent credit scores. With stronger credit, you’re more likely to qualify for premium cards that offer perks like travel insurance and airport lounge access.

Housing and Rental Applications

Some landlords may check your credit as part of the rental application process. A solid score can increase your chances of getting approved and may mean you don't have to pay a security deposit.

Employment Opportunities

In some states and industries, employers may review a version of yourcredit report (not just your score) as part of a background check, where permitted by law and with your written authorization. A strong credit history can demonstrate responsibility and trustworthiness.

Understanding Credit Score Components

Credit scores are calculated from specific pieces of information in your credit report. And while FICO® and VantageScore® weigh these elements slightly differently, the same five core components appear in both systems. Understanding each one can help you take targeted steps toward improving your score and knowing the score you need to meet your financial goals.

Payment History

Payment history is your credit score's single most influential factor, accounting for roughly 35% of a FICO® Score and considered “extremely influential” by VantageScore®. This history reflects whether you’ve paid credit accounts – like credit cards, personal or auto loans and mortgages – on time. Even one payment that’s 30 days past due or longer can make a major impact on your score, and late payments can stay on your credit report for up to seven years.

Bankruptcies, foreclosures and accounts sent to collections may also serve as negative signals to lenders. Consistently paying your bills on time is one of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy credit score.

Credit Utilization

Credit utilization – sometimes also called your credit usage ratio – measures the percentage of your available revolving credit you’re currently using. You can calculate this ratio by dividing your total balances on revolving accounts (such as credit cards) by your combined credit limits.

Most financial experts recommend keeping this number below 30%, and if you're aiming for the highest credit score range, it’s a good idea to keep utilization in the single digits. High utilization may indicate that you’re under financial strain – even if you make payments on time – and it can quickly drag down your score.

Length of Credit History

The longer your credit history, the better. Lenders look at the age of your oldest and newest accounts, plus the average age of all your accounts. Since a longer history generally works in your favor, it’s wise to keep older accounts open, even if you don't use them regularly. If you’re starting from scratch, building a good credit score begins with opening accounts early and keeping them in good standing over time.

Types of Credit Used

Also known as your credit mix, this factor reflects the variety of credit accounts you manage. It includes installment loans, like mortgages, student loans or auto loans, and revolving accounts like credit cards and lines of credit. Successfully handling both credit types can show lenders that you’re a responsible borrower. Of course, you shouldn’t open unnecessary accounts just to diversify, but having a balanced mix can be a plus when you’re shooting for a credit score in the highest ranges.

New Credit

Every time you apply for a new loan or credit card, the lender typically issues a hard inquiry, which can cause your score to take a temporary dip. Opening multiple new accounts in a short time can signal financial instability to lenders, so if you’re working toward that perfect credit score, be selective and strategic about when you apply for new credit.

Assessing Your Current Credit Score

Knowing where you stand is the first step toward improving your credit. If you regularly reviewing your credit reports and scores, you can spot errors, track progress and identify factors that may be holding you back. You can not only take targeted action, but you can also make sure you’re ready when it’s time to apply for a loan, credit card or lease.

Here’s how to stay on top of your credit scores:

Obtaining a Credit Report

You're entitled to one free credit report every year from each of the three major bureaus – Experian, TransUnion and Equifax – and you can access it at AnnualCreditReport.com. Checking your report helps you spot inconsistencies and make sure your credit activity is accurately represented.

Accessing Your Credit Score

Many banks, credit card companies and services like Experian offer ongoing, free access to your FICO or VantageScore. And remember: checking your own score won’t hurt it – only hard inquiries have the power to temporarily drop your score.

Identifying Areas for Improvement

Your score report will usually highlight the key factors influencing your score. Whether it’s high utilization or short credit history, knowing what’s holding you back is the first step toward progress.

And once you understand your current score and the factors that influence it, your next step is turning that knowledge into action.

Strategies to Achieve a Good Credit Score
Building a strong credit score is simple, but it isn’t easy. You’ll need to form steady, intentional habits, which can make a big difference over time. If you focus on key behaviors, you can strengthen your credit profile and move closer to the best possible borrowing terms. Here’s how:

Paying Bills on Time

Set reminders or enroll in autopay to keep from missing due dates. Remember, even a single late payment can stay on your credit report for up to seven years.

Managing Credit Card Balances

Aim to pay your balances in full each month. If that’s not possible, keep your utilization below 30% – or ideally, under 10%.

Diversifying Credit Types

Having both credit cards and loans in your credit history can boost your overall score. But be careful – don’t open new accounts just for the sake of variety.

Lengthening Credit History

Keep your older credit accounts open, even if you’re not using them. Their long history helps boost your average credit length.

Limiting New Credit Applications

Be judicious and only apply for new credit when you really need it. Too many applications in a short time can raise red flags for lenders.

The right credit card can help you build habits that make your score shine. For example, with the Juzt Credit Card, every on-time payment is automatically reported to Equifax, so simply using the card for small purchases and paying them off each month can strengthen your payment history – a huge factor in reaching a solid credit score.

Building Credit from Scratch

If you’re new to credit, building a good credit score may feel out of reach – but it’s important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. The key is to use the right tools and products designed to help you build a positive credit history from the ground up. With the right approach, you can lay a foundation that will serve you well for years to come.

Here are a few options to consider as you start your credit journey:

Secured Credit Cards

These require you to pay a security deposit, which acts as your credit limit. If you use a secured credit card responsibly over time, you can build credit history and eventually qualify for unsecured cards. Many secured cards also report your activity to all three major credit bureaus, which can boost your credit profile.

If you’re looking for something a little simpler than a secured card, the Juzt Digital Credit Card might be worth a look. It’s an unsecured card – so no deposit required – and you can apply online and typically receive a quick decision; final approval and access to a digital card may be available right away, subject to eligibility and verification.  The Juzt Credit Card reports your payments to Equifax and comes with an easy-to-use app that helps you track your spending and credit progress, making it a great partner in your credit-building journey.

Credit Builder Loans

With this type of small installment loan, the lender holds your money in a savings account until you repay the full amount. These loans are designed to help people build credit safely. When the loan term ends, you get your funds back – plus, you’ve built a positive payment record in the process.

Authorized User Arrangements

You may ask a trusted friend or family member to add you as an authorized user on their credit account. In this case, their positive payment history and responsible account management may also appear on your credit report, potentially bumping up your score. While you don’t have to use the card yourself, it’s important to be sure the primary account holder maintains good credit habits – any negative activity on their part could also affect your score.

Monitoring and Maintaining a Good Credit Score

Getting to a healthy credit score is a major financial milestone – and you should certainly celebrate it. But also remember that keeping a good score takes ongoing attention. Even if you’ve reached the “good” or “excellent” range, changes to your credit utilization, payment history or account activity can cause your score to drop.

Here's how to keep small problems from becoming big setbacks.

Regularly Checking Your Credit Report

Errors happen. Reviewing your report regularly can help you dispute inaccuracies that could unfairly lower your score.

Using Credit Monitoring Services

Tools like Experian Boost and other credit monitoring apps can send you alerts for suspicious activity and help you stay ahead of fraud.

Because keep in mind: once you’ve worked hard to get your score up, it’s worth having the right tools to help you keep it there. Here’s one to note: the Juzt App gives you 24/7 account access, instant spending alerts, and built-in payment and limit tracking – to help you stay on top of your account activity and payments..

Responding to Errors or Fraud

If you find something amiss with your credit report, you should dispute it with the credit bureau and creditor as soon as possible. Acting fast can help minimize damage and quickly restore your credit score.

Maintaining strong credit isn’t just about avoiding mistakes – it’s about staying proactive. The habits we’ve outlined here not only protect your financial reputation, but they also position you to take advantage of opportunities when they come along, whether they're for a new home, a dream car or a career move.

Seeking Professional Guidance for Credit Improvement

Sometimes, even your best efforts may not be enough to reach your credit goals on your own. If you’re rebuilding your credit after a financial setback or just want some expert insight into reaching a strong credit score, professional guidance can provide helpful structure, strategies, and accountability.

From nonprofit credit counseling agencies to financial advisors and reputable credit repair companies, the right help can make your path to better credit more efficient and less overwhelming. Here are some of your best options when it comes to outside guidance:

Credit Counseling Services

Nonprofit credit counseling agencies can help you create a debt management plan. Many also offer free or low-cost educational workshops on budgeting, saving and understanding credit reports. And because they work directly with your creditors, credit counseling services may be able to negotiate lower interest rates or waived fees, making it easier to pay down debt and improve your score.

Working with Financial Advisors

A financial advisor can help you with broader financial strategies that support your credit goals, including budgeting, investing and saving. This kind of holistic approach helps you make sure your credit health is part of a bigger financial picture – not just an isolated goal.

Credit Repair Companies: Pros and Cons

Some companies may offer to “fix” your credit for a fee. And while they may help you dispute errors on your credit report, they can’t remove negative information that’s also accurate. And unfortunately, the credit repair industry also has its share of scams, so make sure to research thoroughly, read reviews and verify credentials before you sign any agreement. In many cases, the steps a credit repair company might take on your behalf are steps you can take yourself at little or no cost.

Boosting your credit score isn’t about chasing perfection – it’s about building healthy habits and keeping them going. You don’t need a perfect credit score to enjoy great rates and opportunities. In fact, most of the best perks are available once you reach the “very good” credit range and getting there is simply a matter of consistency: paying on time, keeping balances low and checking in on your progress.

Think of your credit score as a long-term relationship – it needs attention, care and the occasional tune-up, but with steady effort, it can open doors and give you the financial flexibility to say “yes” when opportunity knocks.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and doesn’t guarantee approval, specific interest rates, or credit score outcomes. Lender criteria and results vary. Prequalification or eligibility checks do not guarantee final approval.