Credit scores play a crucial role in assessing an individual's financial well-being and trustworthiness. A credit score is a number derived from an analysis of several financial factors, depicting how creditworthy one is. Credit scores range from a minimum credit score of 300 to a maximum credit score of 850, and are categorized into different levels. Each level reflects a distinct amount of risk for lenders of every type of loan like a personal loan, a car loan, mortgage loans like an FHA loan or conventional loans. Understanding credit score levels is important for people seeking to manage and improve their financial standing. In this blog, we'll discuss the make-up of a credit score and the breakdown of different credit score levels and their implications.
The Make-Up of a Credit Score
The elements that generally influence credit scores are:
Payment history
On-time payments to credit accounts, such as credit cards and mortgages, create positive payment history, while late payments, defaults and bankruptcies can have a significant negative effect.
Credit utilization
This aspect takes into account the proportion of your existing credit card balances in relation to your credit limits. Maintaining a lower credit utilization rate is generally deemed advantageous and can have a positive effect on your credit score. It is advisable to maintain credit card balances well below your credit limit.
Length of credit history
How long your credit accounts have been open is another factor in your credit score. A lengthy credit history is generally regarded favorably as it furnishes more data for evaluating your creditworthiness.
Types of credit in use
This aspect examines the diversity of your credit accounts. The presence of a variety of credit types can be promising for your credit score.
New credit
Opening too many new credit accounts within a short time span may be viewed as precarious. Each application for credit, known as a "hard inquiry," can result in a minor, temporary adverse effect on your credit score.
Common Credit Score Models
Various credit scoring models exist, each with its unique methodology and components. FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation) and VantageScore (developed by the three major credit bureaus) are the most common.
Regardless of the credit score model used, credit scores rely on information derived from your credit report. FICO Score and VantageScore have their own proprietary algorithms. While both models assess the credit factors above, they might assign different weights to them, which ultimately impact the final credit score. Notably, FICO scores tend to place more emphasis on the impact of recent credit inquiries, while VantageScore is generally considered to be more lenient in this regard.
Different Credit Score Levels
Vantagescore: Very poor (300-499)/FICO: Poor (300-579)
Individuals with credit scores in this range are often associated with a history of severe financial mismanagement, including late payments, defaults, bankruptcies and foreclosures. People in this category are deemed high-risk by lenders, posing a challenge for them in securing loans or credit cards. Furthermore, individuals possessing a very poor credit history may encounter elevated interest rates and more stringent terms. People in this level might find a secured credit card to be an option while they work on improving their credit.
Vantagescore: Poor (500-600)/FICO: Fair (580-669)
While an improvement from the previous category, people in this credit score range may still encounter obstacles in obtaining credit at favorable terms. A credit score in this range suggests an individual with mixed credit history, including instances of late payments and possibly a moderate level of debt. It is essential for people with fair credit scores to continue improving their financial habits to move into a better credit level.
Vantagescore: Fair (601-660)/FICO: Good (670-739)
Lenders find individuals in this category to be of moderate credit risk. They have a higher likelihood of meeting the criteria for loans and credit cards with reasonable interest rates and favorable terms.
Vantagescore: Good (661-780)/FICO: Very good (740-799)
People in this credit score category show a high level of creditworthiness and financial responsibility. Individuals within this credit score range have a high probability of being eligible for loans and credit cards featuring low-interest rates and favorable terms. Lenders view these individuals as low-risk borrowers, and they may have access to a wider array of financial products.
Vantagescore: Excellent (781-850)/FICO: Exceptional (800-850)
The pinnacle of creditworthiness is achieved at this credit level. People who have a credit score in this range demonstrate an exceptional financial history with a consistent record of on-time payments, low credit utilization and a diverse credit portfolio. They are highly sought after by lenders, receiving the most favorable interest rates and terms on loans and credit cards.
At Premier Mortgage Resources, There Is a Mortgage Loan for You
As mortgage lenders, we're committed to providing accessible homeownership opportunities for a diverse range of people. Recognizing that credit scores vary among potential homeowners, we offer a variety of mortgage products, from FHA loans to adjustable rate mortgages and bank statement loans. In this way, we’re able to accommodate unique financial situations, including individuals with lower credit scores. Our aim is to empower individuals on the path to homeownership. Contact us today to get started.
