Credit Score Guide — Build, Check & Improve

Learn how credit scores work, what factors affect them, and proven strategies to improve your score and qualify for better credit cards.

Score ranges

• Poor (300–579): Building credit history
• Fair (580–669): Getting started
• Good (670–739): Solid credit
• Very Good (740–799): Above average
• Excellent (800–850): Top tier credit

Tips if your score is poor

• Consider a secured credit card to build history
• Pay all bills on time - payment history is 35% of your score
• Keep credit card balances below 30% of your limit
• Avoid opening multiple new accounts at once
• Check your credit report for errors regularly

Tips if your score is fair

• Focus on paying down existing balances
• Consider becoming an authorized user on a trusted account
• Keep old credit accounts open to maintain history length
• Diversify your credit mix over time
• Set up automatic payments to never miss a due date

Tips if your score is good

• You qualify for most standard credit cards
• Try to keep overall credit utilization under 10%
• Consider a rewards card to maximize your spending
• Avoid closing old credit accounts
• Monitor your score regularly for improvements

Tips if your score is very good

• You qualify for premium rewards cards
• Negotiate for lower APR on existing cards
• Consider cards with travel benefits and lounge access
• Your score puts you in the top 30% of borrowers
• Focus on maximizing rewards with strategic spending

Tips if your score is excellent

• You qualify for the best credit cards available
• Consider premium travel cards with high annual fees but great perks
• Use your excellent score to negotiate the best rates
• Your score puts you in the top 17% of borrowers
• Explore balance transfer offers with 0% intro APR