Understanding what qualifies as a “good” credit score is one of the most important steps in managing your financial health. While it may seem like hitting the elusive 800 mark is the ultimate goal, the truth is far less intimidating—and far more practical. A credit score above 750 is widely considered excellent and typically gives you access to the same benefits and terms as those with scores in the 800s.
Credit scores typically range from 300 to 850. A score in the 670–739 range is generally viewed as “good,” 740–799 is “very good,” and 800 and above is “excellent.” But here’s the catch: lenders and financial institutions often don’t differentiate much between someone with a 760 and someone with an 820. Once you cross the 750 threshold, you’ve already reached the tier that grants the best interest rates, most attractive mortgage terms, and the highest-tier credit card rewards. There’s no significant advantage to pushing your score from 750 to 800 unless you simply enjoy optimizing for its own sake.
So what does this mean for someone with a 700 credit score? Simply put: 700 is already pretty good. It shows lenders that you’re responsible, have a solid history of paying your bills on time, and can manage credit wisely. According to a recent U.S. News article on credit scores, TomoCredit CEO Kristy Kim notes that a score of 700 is indeed commendable. But if you’re aiming to qualify for the lowest mortgage rates or most competitive lending products, your best bet is to aim a little higher—ideally above 750.
Improving from a 700 to a 750 score isn’t about dramatic changes. It’s about refining your credit behavior: making every payment on time, lowering your credit utilization ratio (ideally below 30%, or even 10% for optimal impact), avoiding unnecessary hard inquiries, and letting your accounts age. These actions, compounded over time, steadily push your score upward without requiring perfection.
Many people fixate on reaching 800 as if it’s a status symbol. But it’s more useful to think of your credit score as a tool, not a trophy. A score of 752 gets you the same mortgage rate as a score of 805. You don’t get a lower interest rate just because your number starts with an “8.” Lenders assess risk, and once you’ve demonstrated that you’re an extremely low-risk borrower (which is what a 750+ score signifies), you’re treated accordingly.
It’s also important to understand that your score can fluctuate due to factors outside your immediate control—such as changes in credit reporting algorithms or the natural aging of your credit history. That’s why it’s more productive to maintain good habits consistently, rather than chase numerical perfection.
In summary, yes—700 is a good credit score. It means you’re doing a lot of things right. But if you want to secure the best possible terms for major financial milestones like buying a house, refinancing a loan, or applying for a high-limit credit card, working your way above 750 is a smart and achievable goal. Just don’t let yourself fall into the trap of obsessing over the difference between “very good” and “excellent.” Because when it comes to credit scores, excellent starts at 750—and everything above that is just a cherry on top.