A good credit score can save you thousands of dollars in interest and make it easier to qualify for credit cards, loans, apartments, and mortgages. But credit scoring systems are different in the US, UK, and Canada, which makes it confusing to know whether your score is considered good or bad.
This guide breaks down what a good credit score means in each country and how to improve your score quickly.
Why Credit Scores Matter Everywhere
A strong credit score helps you:
- Get approved for credit cards
- Qualify for lower interest rates
- Increase your credit limits
- Rent apartments easily
- Apply for mortgages with better terms
- Build long-term financial stability
To estimate how your habits affect your score, use this tool:
https://wealthcompare.net/credit-score-estimator/
What Is a Good Credit Score in the United States?
In the US, the two main scoring models are:
- FICO Score
- VantageScore
Both use a scoring range of 300 to 850.
US Credit Score Ranges
- 300 to 579: Poor
- 580 to 669: Fair
- 670 to 739: Good
- 740 to 799: Very Good
- 800 to 850: Excellent
What Score Is Considered Good?
A 670+ score is considered good.
A 740+ score gets you the best rates and approval odds.
What Affects US Credit Scores Most?
- Payment history
- Credit utilization
- Length of credit history
- New credit inquiries
- Credit mix
Use this estimator to see how each factor impacts your score:
https://wealthcompare.net/credit-score-estimator/
What Is a Good Credit Score in the United Kingdom?
The UK uses a different scoring system.
Each credit agency uses its own scoring scale:
Experian Scale (0 to 999)
- 0 to 560: Poor
- 561 to 720: Fair
- 721 to 880: Good
- 881 to 960: Very Good
- 961 to 999: Excellent
Equifax Scale (0 to 1000)
- 0 to 438: Poor
- 439 to 530: Fair
- 531 to 670: Good
- 671 to 810: Very Good
- 811 to 1000: Excellent
TransUnion Scale (0 to 710)
- 0 to 550: Poor
- 551 to 565: Fair
- 566 to 603: Good
- 604 to 627: Very Good
- 628 to 710: Excellent
So What Is a Good UK Score?
Because each agency uses a different scale, the general rule is:
A score in the Good or Very Good range with any agency is considered good.
What Affects UK Credit Scores Most?
- Payment history
- Electoral roll registration
- Credit utilization
- Credit age
- Number of credit applications
What Is a Good Credit Score in Canada?
Canada uses a scoring range of 300 to 900 through:
- Equifax Canada
- TransUnion Canada
Canada Credit Score Ranges
- 300 to 559: Poor
- 560 to 659: Fair
- 660 to 724: Good
- 725 to 759: Very Good
- 760 to 900: Excellent
What Is Considered Good?
A 660+ score is considered good.
A 725+ score gets you strong approval chances.
A 760+ score gives you the best interest rates.
What Affects Canadian Credit Scores Most?
- Paying bills on time
- Low utilization
- Length of credit history
- Recent inquiries
- Types of credit used
How To Improve Your Credit Score Fast (US, UK, Canada)
1. Keep Credit Utilization Low
Aim for:
- Under 30 percent
- Best under 10 percent
2. Always Pay On Time
Missing even one payment can drop your score significantly.
3. Avoid Too Many Credit Applications
Hard inquiries lower your score temporarily.
4. Build Credit History
Keep accounts open to increase credit age.
5. Pay Off Balances Quickly
Use a debt payoff tool for faster results:
https://wealthcompare.net/debt-payoff-visualizer/
What Is a Good Score for Credit Cards?
- US: 700+ usually qualifies for most cards
- UK: Good to Very Good across any agency
- Canada: 700+ is strong for premium cards
Compare card options here:
https://wealthcompare.net/compare-credit-cards/
What Is a Good Score for Mortgages?
- US: 740+ gets the most favorable rates
- UK: Good or Very Good rating
- Canada: 720+ for best terms
Final Thoughts
A good credit score varies between the US, UK, and Canada, but the goal is the same everywhere: build strong habits, pay on time, keep utilization low, and avoid unnecessary applications.
With the right approach, you can reach the good or excellent range and qualify for better financial opportunities. Use tools like credit estimators, fee optimizers, and payoff planners to stay on track as you build a strong credit profile.
