Credit Score Ranges Explained (300 to 850)

By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated July 2026
The short answer: The main credit scores run from 300 to 850 and fall into tiers, roughly: poor below 580, fair 580 to 669, good 670 to 739, very good 740 to 799, and exceptional 800 and up. The higher you are, the better your rates and approval odds, but the best offers generally kick in around the mid-700s, so chasing a perfect score is unnecessary.

This guide lays out the standard score ranges, what each tier means for you, and why you do not need to reach the very top.

The standard ranges

The two dominant scoring systems, FICO and VantageScore, both run from 300 to 850, and lenders group that span into tiers. A common breakdown is poor below 580, fair from 580 to 669, good from 670 to 739, very good from 740 to 799, and exceptional at 800 and above. The exact cutoffs vary slightly by model, but the tiers are what lenders use to sort applicants.

What each tier means for you

Where you sit determines how lenders treat you. Poor and fair scores lead to denials or high rates and often steer you toward secured cards, good is broadly approvable, and very good to exceptional unlocks the best rewards cards and lowest rates. This ties directly into what score you need for a card.

Why you do not need a perfect score

Here is the reassuring part: the benefits largely plateau. Once you are in the mid-700s and up, you generally qualify for the same top rates and cards as someone at 850, so the last fifty points are mostly bragging rights. Focus on reaching the very good tier through the fundamentals in how credit scores work, not on maxing the number.

The bottom line
  • Most scores run from 300 to 850.
  • Tiers: poor, fair, good, very good, and exceptional.
  • Higher tiers unlock better rates and approvals.
  • The best offers usually start in the mid-700s.
  • You do not need a perfect score to be treated as top-tier.

Frequently asked questions

What are the credit score ranges?
Scores run 300 to 850, grouped as poor below 580, fair 580 to 669, good 670 to 739, very good 740 to 799, and exceptional 800 and up.
What is a good credit score?
Generally 670 and above is considered good, and 740 and up is very good. The best rates and cards typically open up in the mid-700s.
Do I need an 850 credit score?
No. Once you are in the mid-700s, you usually qualify for the same top rates and cards as someone at 850. A perfect score is not necessary.

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Bryce Casson

Written by Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. About the author and how we rank cards.