Understanding what qualifies as a “good” credit score can be confusing, especially when the definition changes depending on where you live. A score that’s considered excellent in one country may be average in another. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What’s a good credit score in the US, UK, or Canada?” and more importantly, “How do I get there?” this guide is for you.
Whether you’re just starting your credit journey, recovering from past mistakes, or aiming for better loan rates, this 2025 guide breaks down:
- Credit score ranges by country
- What lenders see as “good”
- What affects your score
- Step-by-step tips to improve your score no matter your starting point
- Real-world examples from each region
- FAQs and next steps
Let’s dive in.
What is a Credit Score? And why does it matter?
A credit score is a three-digit number that represents how likely you are to repay debt. Lenders, landlords, insurers, and even employers in some countries check this number to determine your financial reliability.
Your score can affect:
- Your ability to get loans or credit cards
- The interest rate you’re offered
- Your apartment rental approval
- Your car insurance premium
A good credit score = more access, better rates, and less financial stress.
There are multiple scoring models, but the most common ones globally are:
- FICO Score (United States)
- VantageScore (Used in the US and Canada)
- Equifax/Experian/TransUnion (UK and Canada)
Understanding how these scores are calculated and what benchmarks define “good” is crucial.
What Is a Good Credit Score in the United States (2025)?
In the US, according to CNBC, 90% of the tip lenders use the FICO scoring system, followed by VantageScore.
FICO Score Ranges:
| Rating | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Excellent | 800–850 |
| Very Good | 740–799 |
| Good | 670–739 |
| Fair | 580–669 |
| Poor | 300–579 |
A score of 700+ is considered good, with 740+ opening access to the best rates.
VantageScore Ranges (2025):
| Rating | Score Range |
| Excellent | 781–850 |
| Good | 661–780 |
| Fair | 601–660 |
| Poor | 500–600 |
| Very Poor | 300–499 |
What Affects Your US Credit Score:
- Payment history (35%)
- Credit utilization (30%)
- Credit age (15%)
- Credit mix (10%)
- New credit inquiries (10%)
Real-Life Example (US):
Jessica, a 26-year-old freelancer in Texas, started with no credit. She signed up for a Self-credit builder loan and Experian Boost to report her Netflix and utility payments. In six months, she increased her score from 545 to 702 and qualified for her first car loan at 6% interest, down from 14%.
What Is a Good Credit Score in Canada (2025)?
Canada uses similar systems, but Equifax and TransUnion Canada manage scoring.
Canadian Credit Score Ranges:
| Rating | Score Range |
| Excellent | 760–900 |
| Very Good | 725–759 |
| Good | 660–724 |
| Fair | 560–659 |
| Poor | 300–559 |
Aim for 660 or higher to qualify for most loans and credit cards.
What Affects Your Canadian Credit Score:
- Payment history
- Credit utilization ratio
- Credit history length
- Types of credit
- Number of recent credit inquiries
Extra Tip:
Use tools like Borrowell or Koho Credit Building to monitor and improve your score with minimal risk.
Real-Life Example (Canada):
Ahmed, a student in Toronto, used Koho’s secured credit card and automated his rent reporting via FrontLobby. In less than 10 months, his credit score improved from 610 to 750, helping him secure a lease without a co-signer.
What Is a Good Credit Score in the United Kingdom (2025)?
The UK doesn’t use a universal scoring model like the US. Instead, each credit bureau (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion UK) has its own scoring system.
Experian (UK):
| Rating | Score Range |
| Excellent | 961–999 |
| Good | 881–960 |
| Fair | 721–880 |
| Poor | 561–720 |
| Very Poor | 0–560 |
Equifax (UK):
- Scores range from 0 to 1,000 (Good = 531+)
TransUnion (UK):
- Scores range from 0 to 710 (Good = 604+)
In general, aim for above 800 (Experian) or 600+ (TransUnion/Equifax)
Tools to Monitor in the UK:
- ClearScore (based on Equifax)
- Credit Karma UK (based on TransUnion)
- Loqbox and CreditLadder help build credit without loans or cards.
Real-Life Example (UK):
Amelia, a graphic designer in London, added her rent payments to her credit file using CreditLadder. She combined that with Loqbox Save, which helped her build savings and improve her score from 590 to 830 in under a year.
How to Improve Your Credit Score Anywhere
No matter where you live, these universal tips apply:
1. Always Pay On Time
Even one missed payment can drop your score. Use autopay or calendar reminders to stay on track.
2. Keep Your Credit Utilization Low
Try to use less than 30% of your available credit. Example: On a $1,000 limit, keep your balance under $300.
3. Don’t Close Old Accounts
The length of your credit history matters. If you have old, unused cards with no fees, keep them open.
4. Limit New Applications
Each new credit application can cause a temporary score drop. Space them out and only apply when needed.
5. Diversify Your Credit Mix
Having different types of credit (card, loan, and rent reporting) helps. This shows lenders you can manage multiple forms of credit.
6. Use Tools That Report to Bureaus
Make sure the credit card, rent, or loan builder you’re using reports to one or more credit bureaus in your country.
Tools That Help You Get to a Good Score (by Country)
| Tool Type | US | Canada | UK |
| Builder Loan | Self, CreditStrong | Refresh, Loqbox Save | Loqbox Save |
| Secured Card | Chime, Kikoff | Neo Secured, Koho | Tesco Bank Foundation Card |
| Rent Reporting | Rental Kharma, RentReporters | FrontLobby | CreditLadder, Canopy |
| Boost Services | Experian Boost | Borrowell, Koho Boost | Experian Boost UK |
FAQs
What’s the fastest way to improve my credit score?
- Pay off high balances
- Use tools like Experian Boost (US/UK)
- Use rent/subscription reporting
How long does it take to go from bad to good?
- Usually, 3 to 6 months of consistent effort shows results.
- 12+ months of consistent activity can take you into the 700+ range.
Does checking my credit hurt it?
No, checking your own score is a soft inquiry and does not affect your score.
Can I build credit without a credit card?
Yes. Use:
- Rent reporting tools
- Builder loans
- Experian Boost or Koho
Which credit bureau should I focus on?
- US: FICO is used by most lenders, but also monitors VantageScore via Credit Karma.
- Canada: Equifax is most commonly used, but monitor both.
- UK: Monitor all three (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) since different lenders use different ones.
Final Thoughts, Know Your Score, Then Own It
A “good” credit score is more than just a number — it’s a key that unlocks financial freedom. Whether you’re in the US, UK, or Canada, knowing your score range and taking action can:
- Lower your borrowing costs
- Improve your housing and job options
- Give you confidence and control
Action Step: Check your score today using Borrowell, Credit Karma, or Experian, then choose one builder tool to begin improving.
