Fico Credit Score Scale

Fico Credit Score ScaleFico credit score scale runs from 300 – 850, and is further divided to 6 risk categories: Bad, Poor, Low, Average, Good & Excellent. Fico credit score dominated the market with over 90% of creditors using it to determine their lending decisions and set your terms, making it the single most important number in your financial life!






As mentioned, the Fico credit score scale is divided into 6 different risk categories:
 
Fico Credit Score Scale

  • 700 – 850      Excellent
  • 680 – 700      Good
  • 620 – 680      Average
  • 580 – 620      Low
  • 500 – 580      Poor
  • 300 – 500      Bad

 
 
Fico scores have 3 basic versions, each used for different purposes by different lenders:

  • “Factual” – Used by mortgage brokers.
  • “Auto Enhanced” – Used by car dealers.
  • “Standard” version – The only version available to consumers.

Each version employs different weights to different factors, and the scores between versions can vary by 50-100 points. All three versions, however run on the same scale from 300–850.(See Understanding Fico Scores for more information).

Because of the increasing number of mortgages, auto loans & credit cards, the U.S. seem to have a relatively low national average credit score that keeps inching down every year. Currently, the average Fico score in the United States is around 660, but the score between states can vary considerably (See Average Fico Score for more information such as Average Fico scores by age and state).

If you’re concerned about your Fico score and want to know whether it’s good and how does it influence you financially, see also What Are Good Credit Scores.