Credit score ranges explained

Most lenders use a score on a 300–850 scale. The bands are conventions, not laws, but they line up closely across the major models.

Quick takeaways

Bands: poor, fair, good, very good, exceptional.
Multiple models and three bureaus mean multiple scores.
Direction and accuracy beat the exact number.

The bands

300–579 poor. 580–669 fair. 670–739 good. 740–799 very good. 800–850 exceptional. Moving up a band usually matters more than moving a few points inside one.

Why your scores differ

There are many scoring models and three bureaus. Lenders may pull only one bureau, may use an older model version, and may use industry-specific versions tuned for auto or mortgage lending. Different number, same underlying file.

What to watch instead

Track the direction of one score over time and the accuracy of the report behind it. Chasing exact numbers across apps wastes energy.

Want someone to look at your actual reports?

Start the free intake and a Knox specialist will walk your file with you — what can be challenged, what should stay, and what to do next. No cost, no obligation.