A good credit score typically falls within the 670-739 range for FICO® scores, the most widely used credit scoring model in the U.S. This range is considered "good" by major credit bureaus like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, as well as financial institutions such as U.S. Bank and Discover. Achieving a score in this range generally qualifies individuals for loans, credit cards, and other financial products with favorable terms, though specific approval criteria may vary by lender. For the VantageScore® model—another widely used scoring system—a good credit score ranges from 661-780, reflecting slight differences in how creditworthiness is assessed.

Key takeaways from the search results include:

• FICO® "good" range: 670-739, with higher tiers (740-799 = "very good," 800+ = "excellent") offering even better financial opportunities ^[1][3][6].
• VantageScore® "good" range: 661-780, with variations due to different weighting of credit factors like payment history and credit utilization ^[7][8].
• Lender variability: While 670+ is broadly accepted as good, individual lenders may set their own thresholds for approvals and interest rates ^[1][9].
• Impact of credit score tiers: Scores below 670 ("fair" or "poor") may result in higher interest rates or loan denials, while scores above 740 unlock premium financial products ^[2][5].

Understanding Credit Score Ranges and Their Financial Impact

FICO® Score Breakdown and Lender Implications

The FICO® score, used by 90% of top lenders, ranges from 300 to 850 and is divided into five categories that directly influence borrowing power. A score of 670-739 is classified as "good," meaning borrowers in this range are likely to be approved for credit but may not receive the lowest available interest rates. Lenders view this tier as indicating responsible credit management, though not exceptional. The categorization is as follows:

• Exceptional (800-850): Qualifies for the best terms, including 0% APR offers and premium rewards cards ^[3][10].
• Very Good (740-799): Typically approved with competitive rates, often just slightly higher than the "exceptional" tier ^[2][5].
• Good (670-739): Approved for most credit products but may face moderate interest rates (e.g., 3-5% higher than "exceptional" borrowers) ^[1][6].
• Fair (580-669): May qualify for subprime loans with higher fees or require co-signers ^[2][5].
• Poor (300-579): High risk of denial; if approved, terms include high interest (e.g., 20%+ APR) and strict conditions ^[1][10].

Lenders use these ranges to assess risk, but the minimum "good" threshold of 670 is not universal. For example, mortgage lenders may require a 720+ score for conventional loans with the best rates, while auto lenders might approve borrowers with scores as low as 640 for standard terms ^[9]. The average U.S. FICO® score is 715, placing most Americans in the "good" range, though only 1.7% achieve a perfect 850 ^[8].

VantageScore® Differences and Practical Considerations

The VantageScore® model, developed collaboratively by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, uses a slightly different range and weighting system. A "good" VantageScore® falls between 661-780, compared to FICO’s 670-739. This discrepancy arises from variations in how the models prioritize credit factors:

• Payment history: 40% of VantageScore® (vs. 35% for FICO®) ^[7].
• Credit utilization: 34% for VantageScore® (vs. 30% for FICO®) ^[8].
• Credit depth/length of history: 21% for VantageScore® (vs. 15% for FICO®) ^[7].

These differences mean a borrower might have a VantageScore® of 720 ("good") but a FICO® score of 680 ("fair"), leading to conflicting lender assessments. For instance:

• Credit card issuers often use FICO® scores for approvals, while personal loan providers may rely on VantageScore® ^[7].
• Renters may encounter VantageScore® checks, as some property management companies prefer this model for its broader inclusion of thin-file borrowers (those with limited credit history) ^[8].

Practical steps to improve scores in either model include:

• Paying bills on time: Even a single 30-day late payment can drop a score by 100+ points ^[4].
• Keeping credit utilization below 30%: Ideal utilization is <10% for top-tier scores ^[4][6].
• Avoiding hard inquiries: Each new credit application can temporarily lower scores by 5-10 points ^[9].
• Monitoring reports for errors: 1 in 5 consumers find errors on their credit reports, which can unjustly lower scores ^[5].

While both models aim to predict credit risk, the FICO® score remains the gold standard for major financial decisions, making the 670-739 range the most critical benchmark for borrowers to target.