How many Americans have a credit score below 650?

Around 25-30% of Americans have a credit score below 650, falling into the "poor" (300-579) and "fair" (580-669) categories, though the exact number varies slightly by source and scoring model (FICO vs. VantageScore). While specific figures differ, data from FICO and Experian in 2024-2025 indicates roughly 13-14% in the poor range and 15-16% in the fair range, totaling around 28-30% below 650.

How many Americans have an 800 credit score?

Around 22-24% of Americans have a credit score of 800 or higher, considered an "exceptional" range, with figures varying slightly by report year (e.g., 22.5% in 2024, 24% in 2024/2025 data). While a large portion of consumers achieve high scores, only a small fraction, roughly 1.5-1.8%, holds a perfect 850 score, according to Experian's 2025 data. 

What credit score do you need for a $400,000 house?

Credit Score

When applying for a $400,000 home, lenders evaluate your credit scores to determine eligibility and the rates you'll receive: 740+: Best rates and terms. 700-739: Slightly higher rates. 660-699: Higher rates, may require larger down payment.

How many Americans have $20,000 in credit card debt?

A majority of Americans (53%) carry some, with an average balance of $7,719. However, a third of those carrying debt (32%) owe $10,000 or more, while almost 1 in 10 (9%) have credit card debt over $20,000.

How many Americans are 100% debt free?

Around 23% of Americans are debt free, according to the most recent data available from the Federal Reserve.

Credit scores drop by the most since the Great Recession

What is the credit card limit for $70,000 salary?

The credit limit you can expect for a $70,000 salary across all your credit cards could be as much as $14000 to $21000, or even higher in some cases, according to our research. The exact amount depends heavily on multiple factors, like your credit score and how many credit lines you have open.

Is it true that after 7 years your credit is clear?

It's partially true: most negative items like late payments and collections fall off your credit report after about seven years, but the debt itself might still exist, and bankruptcies last longer (up to 10 years). The 7-year clock starts from the date of the first missed payment, not when it goes to collections, and older negative info must be removed by law, though the debt isn't always forgiven. 

What is the 2 2 2 credit rule?

The 2-2-2 credit rule is a guideline for lenders, especially for mortgages, suggesting borrowers should have at least two active credit accounts, open for at least two years, with at least two years of on-time payments, sometimes also requiring a minimum credit limit (like $2,000) for each. It shows lenders you can consistently manage multiple debts, building confidence in your financial responsibility beyond just a high credit score, and helps you qualify for larger loans. 

How much of a house can I afford if I make $70,000 a year?

With a $70,000 salary, you can generally afford a house between $210,000 and $350,000, but your actual budget depends heavily on your credit score, existing debts, down payment, and current mortgage rates, with lenders often following the 28/36 rule (housing costs under 28% of gross income, total debt under 36%). A good starting point is keeping your total monthly housing payment (PITI) under $1,633, but a lower Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio and larger down payment increase your buying power. 

Does anyone have a 900 credit score?

No, you generally cannot have a 900 credit score in the U.S. because the standard FICO and VantageScore models cap at 850 (a "perfect" score); however, older or specialized scores like FICO Auto or Bankcard can reach 900, but these aren't what most lenders use for general credit. While an 850 score is extremely rare (less than 2% of people), it's the highest achievable, indicating excellent creditworthiness. 

Does paying bills on time raise credit score?

Yes, paying bills on time is crucial for building credit, as payment history is the most significant factor in your credit score, but only if the payments are reported to the major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion). Credit cards, loans, and mortgages help automatically, while you might need services like Experian Boost to get credit for utilities, rent, and phone bills, although paying those late can still hurt your score if sent to collections. 

What is considered excellent credit?

Excellent credit is generally considered a score of 800-850 for the widely used FICO scoring model, while VantageScore 3.0 calls 781-850 excellent. This top-tier status indicates low risk to lenders, making you eligible for the best loan rates, top credit cards, and favorable terms, reflecting a history of responsible credit use like on-time payments and low balances.
 

What credit score is needed to buy a $30,000 car?

To qualify for a $30,000 car loan, most lenders prefer to see a credit score of at least 660 to 700. That being said, your credit score is only one part of the equation. Lenders will also consider: Your debt-to-income ratio (how much you owe compared to how much you earn)

What percentage of Americans have bad credit?

Roughly 13-16% of Americans have "bad" or "poor" credit (FICO scores 300-579), with slightly higher numbers in some reports, while another significant portion has "fair" credit, meaning a substantial minority struggles with lower scores. Recent data from Experian shows about 13.2% in the poor range (300-579) for 2024, while BadCredit.org cites around 16.3% with very poor FICO scores (300-599) in late 2024. 

Do credit scores drop after paying off debt?

While your credit scores may dip from paying off debt, that doesn't mean you should ever ignore what you owe. The drop to your credit scores when you pay off debt is unlikely to be permanent. It's always a good idea to keep up with your debt payments and repay what you owe.

What is the riskiest credit score?

The exact score that qualifies as subprime varies: For the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau it's anything below 620, while Experian considers it 600 and below. Lenders consider subprime credit scores a higher risk and you'll find it harder to get approved for credit cards and loans.

Does making two payments boost your credit score?

Yes, making two payments a month can help your credit score, primarily by lowering your credit utilization ratio (keeping balances low on your statement) and ensuring you never miss a payment, which boosts your payment history. This strategy, sometimes called the "15/3 rule," involves paying half your balance 15 days before the due date and the rest a few days before the due date, reducing reported balances and saving on interest. 

What is the 50/30/20 rule for credit cards?

Enter Your Monthly Income

50% of your net income should go towards living expenses and essentials (Needs), 20% of your net income should go towards debt reduction and savings (Debt Reduction and Savings), and 30% of your net income should go towards discretionary spending (Wants).

How many people have $20,000 in credit card debt?

While exact real-time figures vary, surveys from 2021 and 2025 suggest around 1 in 5 Americans (about 18-20%) who carry credit card balances have over $20,000 in debt, with some studies indicating higher percentages (like 12% with $25k+) in recent years, highlighting a significant portion of consumers struggling with substantial credit card debt, often exacerbated by inflation. 

What cannot be removed from your credit report?

There are other items that cannot be disputed or removed due to their systemic importance. For example, your correct legal name, current and former mailing addresses, and date of birth are usually not up for dispute and won't be removed from your credit reports.

Can I get a $50,000 loan with a 700 credit score?

In general, to qualify for a $50,000 personal loan you will need to show you have sufficient income to make the monthly payments and have a credit score of 580 or higher.

What is a respectable credit limit?

A good credit limit varies but is generally high enough to keep your credit utilization low (under 30%, ideally under 10%) while reflecting your income and creditworthiness, often starting around $1,000 for new users and potentially reaching tens of thousands for established individuals with excellent credit and income. A limit around $5,000-$10,000 is good for average users, while higher limits ($20k+) are for excellent credit and high earners. 

Does updating your income affect your credit score?

Updating your income doesn't directly change your credit score because income isn't on your credit report, but a higher income can lead to a higher credit limit, which indirectly boosts your score by lowering your credit utilization ratio (the amount of debt you carry versus your total available credit). Reporting an income increase to lenders can get you a higher limit, reducing utilization and showing you can handle more credit responsibly, improving your overall creditworthiness. 

Should a $20000 credit card have a $6000 balance?

How Much You Should Spend With a $20,000 Credit Limit. Spending between $200 and $2,000 per month is best for your credit score. You should avoid having a balance above $6,000 when your monthly statement gets generated. Even if you spend $0, your credit score will still improve just by having the account open.