Credit Score Ranges and Credit Card Approval

Card issuers describe their products with labels such as “excellent,” “good” or “fair” credit. Those labels are a guide to who is most likely to be approved, not a guarantee. Understanding how they relate to your credit score helps you apply for cards you have a realistic chance of getting.

How scores map to the labels

The most widely used scoring models, including FICO and VantageScore, produce scores from 300 to 850. Each issuer sets its own criteria, but in broad terms:

• Excellent: scores in the upper range, typically around the mid-700s and above.
• Good: scores roughly in the high 600s to low 700s.
• Fair: scores in the low-to-mid 600s or a short credit history.
• Poor: scores below that range, often after missed payments or collections.
• Limited or no credit: not enough history to generate a score at all.

Score is not the only factor

Issuers also look at your income, existing debt and monthly obligations, recent applications and the details of your credit report. Someone with a good score but very high balances may be declined, while someone with a thin file and solid income may be approved for a starter card.

What moves your score

• Payment history carries the most weight. One late payment of 30 days or more can have a lasting effect.
• Credit utilization, the share of your available credit you are using, is the next largest factor. Lower is better.
• Length of credit history rewards keeping older accounts open.
• New credit and inquiries can lower a score slightly for a short time.
• Credit mix plays a smaller role.

Improve your approval odds

Check your credit reports for errors before applying; you can request free reports from each of the three major bureaus. Use issuer prequalification tools, which use a soft inquiry that does not affect your score. Space out applications, and choose cards whose recommended credit matches your profile. If you are starting out, a secured or student card is often the most reliable first step.

Browse cards by credit profile

Every card page on this site shows the recommended credit listed for that card when we last reviewed it. You can also browse cards grouped by credit profile from the links below.