Credit Scores

What Is the Average Credit Score by Age?

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In this article

Highlights:

  • Average credit scores vary by age, with older individuals generally having higher scores due to a more extensive credit history.
  • Payment history, age, type of credit and credit utilization ratio affect your VantageScore® 3.0 credit score.
  • Some things to consider that can help increase your credit scores are: making on-time payments, keeping credit utilization rate below 30%, and limiting applying for new credit accounts.

Credit scores play a role in your ability to access credit. They reflect part of your financial health. But your average credit score can change depending on your age. Through different life stages, your credit habits, debt levels and financial priorities change. This can result in varying credit score ranges across different age groups. It's important to know the average credit score by age to assess your financial standing.

What Is the Average Credit Score by Age?

As of September 2024, VantageScore data shows the average credit score for 18-year-olds is 712. Credit scores tend to improve with age for those between 52 and 91, peaking at 753 for 77-year-olds.

Born Between Generation Average Credit Score
1992 - 2012 Gen Z 679
1981 - 1996 Millenials 680
1965 - 1980 Gen X 700
1946 - 1964 Baby Boomers 742

It's worth noting that no age group has an average credit score in the 800s. But, 71 - 81 year olds are in the EXCELLENT credit score range with 748 - 750 average credit scores.

Knowing how you compare to others in your age group is important. A higher credit score tends to show that you make your payments on time.

You can also compare your credit score to the average in your state.

What Is a Good Credit Score for My Age?

Although credit scores vary by age, the definition of a "GOOD" credit score remains the same. VantageScore 3.0 credit scores range from 300 to 850. Creditors consider scores between 748 - 850 to be EXCELLENT.

VantageScore 3.0 Score Range
748 - 850 EXCELLENT
716 - 747 VERY GOOD
661 - 715 GOOD
600 - 660 FAIR
300 - 599 POOR

How Are Credit Scores Calculated?

Several factors affect your credit score, regardless of age. In general, there are a few important factors considered in credit scoring calculations.

  • The number of accounts you have
  • The types of accounts
  • Your used credit vs. your available credit
  • The length of your credit history
  • Your payment history

How to Improve Your Credit Scores

Are you starting on your financial journey? Do you want to rebuild credit or need the best interest rates on your next credit card? Practicing positive credit behavior can help improve your credit scores.

You can improve your score by paying your bills on time and in full. Payment history makes up a significant chunk of your credit score. This is why it's important to avoid late payments.

Paying off the credit card balance also improves your credit scores. Try to avoid carrying month-to-month balances.

Credit utilization is the amount of available credit you're using. Keep credit utilization low by paying off balances in full. Pay attention to each account's credit limit so you're not using more than 30% of the credit limit.

Look over your credit reports often. Make sure there are no unrecognized accounts or credit inquiries. These could be a sign of identity theft. You can check your Equifax® credit report at any time through your myEquifax account.

Knowing the average credit score by age provides valuable insight into where your credit stands. No matter your age, maintaining a good credit score requires responsible credit habits.