What Is an Excellent Credit Score?
7 Min Read | Published: March 28, 2025
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Learn why a high 700-800 score qualifies as an excellent credit score, see high score benefits, and learn strategies for strengthening your credit.
At-A-Glance
- A high credit score is considered within the 700-800+ range, signaling strong creditworthiness and higher chances of better loan opportunities.
- Better loan opportunities may include lower interest rates, flexible loan terms, and rewards credit cards that earn cash back, travel miles, and more.
- Responsible credit habits like on-time payments, using a low percentage of your total credit limit, and regularly checking your credit report can positively impact your score.
With more credit cards, less debt, fewer missed payments, and responsible credit use, more people with shorter credit histories may be solidifying their creditworthiness and reputation as trustworthy borrowers.1 High credit scores are one important measure of creditworthiness.2 Let’s unpack what is considered an excellent credit score and the habits that can help you to improve your credit over time.
What Do Credit Score Ranges Look Like?
Lenders rely primarily on FICO® scoring models to calculate credit scores, but the VantageScore® model is also popular. Here are the corresponding ranges and scores, and look at what you may be able to expect if you fall within these ranges:3
- Limited Credit Access Range
Lenders may interpret this range as high-risk. The highest-risk borrowers may fall between 300-579 for FICO and 300-600 for VantageScore. High-risk borrowers might struggle to qualify for some credit cards but may find secured credit cards easier to acquire.
- Developing Credit Range
Lenders may classify this range as moderately risky. Borrowers may land in the 580-669 FICO range or the 601-660 range for VantageScore. Those in this category may qualify for credit but may face higher interest rates and less favorable terms.
- Established Credit Range
Lenders may associate this range with a responsible credit profile. Borrowers in the 670-739 FICO range and the 661-780 VantageScore range may qualify for some credit cards and more affordable loans. Competitive credit products may also be within closer reach for this category.
- Strong Credit Profile Range
Lenders may see this range as considerably low risk. When borrowers reach a 740-799 FICO® score or a VantageScore of 781-850, they can often access low-interest, premium loans. Borrowers in this range may also get higher credit limits or enjoy exclusive rewards programs.
- Exceptional Credit Score Range
Lenders may regard this range as the least risky. Hitting an 800-850 FICO score could mean qualifying for premium credit products and better loans with competitive interest rates.
Note that falling within a specific category is not a guarantee of approval for any specific product. Both models categorize scores slightly differently, but responsible credit behaviors can benefit scores from each.4
What Is an Excellent Credit Score?
Scoring model ranges vary, but numbers in the exceptional 700-800s range above may qualify as an excellent credit score. Getting acquainted with the main credit score calculation factors, including payment history, available credit usage, credit length, and credit types, may help you build your credit over time.
Benefits of Having Excellent Credit
Credit card issuers may reserve more rewarding offers for applicants with excellent credit scores and strong credit histories, two qualifications that may also permit more affordable debt refinancing and easier access to emergency credit lines.5 High scores might also lead to lower insurance premiums and smaller rental security deposit requirements, but this is not guaranteed.6
Tips for Achieving Excellent Credit
These habits may enrich your borrowing opportunities.7
Make On-Time Payments
Payment history is the largest factor in assigning accurate scores, so paying bills on time or early can contribute positively to your credit score.
Maintain Low Credit Utilization
Scoring models may view high balances across multiple accounts negatively, so keeping credit card balances as low as possible can help.
Review Your Credit Report
Regular credit report monitoring can help you identify and dispute errors, spot opportunities for improvement, and stay ahead of fraudulent activity that may negatively impact your score. You may also be able to check your credit score for free with your financial institution.8
Frequently Asked Questions
Reaching an 800 credit score is rare but may become more feasible with time and responsible financial behavior. Currently, CNBC reports that less than a quarter of all scorable individuals fall within FICO’s 800+ excellent credit score range.9
A good credit score for your age may vary, but scores near 680 within the established FICO Score range are common for Gen Z, according to Experian.10 However, everyone’s credit history is different, and older generations tend to have scores of 690 or higher.11
Data on the average national credit card limit continues to change, so don’t worry if others your age have better scores. Currently, CNBC reports that the average credit limit for Americans is around $30,000, just under $13,000 for Gen Z members, and as high as $40,000 for older generations.12
The Takeaway
Taking steps toward building strong credit starts with on-time payments, low balances, and regular credit report checks. In the meantime, even less-than-excellent scores can secure rewards-packed credit cards and specialized, low-interest lending options that can help to strengthen your credit profile.
1 “The Average Credit Score For Gen Zers,” CNBC
2,8 “What Is My Credit Score?,” Experian
3,6 “What is a Good Credit Score?,” Experian
4 “The Difference Between VantageScore® Credit Scores and FICO® Scores,” Experian
5,9,11 “Is 800 a good credit score? Here’s what to expect when you reach this number,” CNBC
7,10 “What is The Average Credit Score in The U.S?,” Experian
12 “What is The Average Credit Limit on a Credit Card?,” Experian
Liv Gillespie is a Philadelphia-based writer with a double M.A. in English Linguistics & Literature and Secondary Education. Her work focuses on personal finance.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
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