Bad credit makes many simple financial tasks more difficult, whether you're applying for a new credit card or your first mortgage.
You may end up with lower credit limits and higher interest rates, and your poor credit may even prevent you from acquiring a new job.
FICO and VantageScore are well-known credit scoring models. Both scoring methods employ a credit spectrum ranging from 300 to 850, however their ranges differ.
The FICO score system ranges from 300 to 850 points. This number indicates the likelihood that a borrower will repay a debt.
If your credit score falls between 300 to 579, you are deemed poor, and lenders may view you as a risk.
In 2021, the median FICO score was 716, firmly placing them in the excellent category. If your credit score falls below 670, it is either poor or fair.
VantageScore is yet another credit scoring algorithm that calculates a credit score using information from consumer credit reports.
Poor credit, as determined by the VantageScore methodology, falls between 300 and 660, while very poor credit is defined as a score below 500.
The average 2021 VantageScore was 698, putting a person in Vantage's "good credit" category.
If you make your payments on time, don't take on too much, and don't apply for too much credit at once, you may be able to preserve a solid credit score.