What Is the Average Credit Score by Age in the US?

Typically, demographics, such as location and age, don’t impact credit scoring. However, understanding the average credit score by age can provide valuable insights into the financial habits, challenges, and achievements of individuals at various stages of life. Knowing these statistics can help you better gauge your own financial health.

What is the average credit score by age in the United States? From millennials just beginning their financial journey to seasoned seniors enjoying their golden years, we’ll uncover the trends associated with credit scoring in different age categories.

Average Credit Score Basics

In general, a credit score indicates the likelihood of an individual borrower repaying the borrowed money. Lenders, landlords, insurance companies, and even employers use these scores to assess an individual’s financial responsibility and reliability. A higher score often reflects a lower risk to lenders, which can make it easier to qualify for loans, secure better interest rates, find rental housing, and unlock various financial benefits.

In the United States, a credit score is a three-digit number, ranging from 300 to 850, that grades your financial credibility. Typically, it’s generated based on information from your reports, which includes data about your credit accounts, history of payments, outstanding debts, and other financial behaviors.

While there are many scoring models around, the two most commonly used in the U.S. are FICO and VantageScore. Look at the table below (compiled using Experian data) to see how these models compare in terms of figures.

Statistically, over 60% of Americans have a good to exceptional FICO score and an excellent to good VantageScore rating. Speaking of the average credit score in America, the FICO and VantageScore averages are pretty close, at 717 and 701, respectively.

What Is The Average Credit Score in America by Age?

Now that we’ve answered the question, “What is the average credit score?” and explained why it is important and how it’s determined in the U.S., let’s examine how the average American credit score breaks down by major age groups.

When calculating the average FICO score by age and that of VantageScore, the two models implement slightly different approaches in age classifications. The final figures, though, are nearly the same, so we’ve combined them in a single table for your convenience.

As you can see, the average credit scoring increases with age. This metric is primarily calculated on credit history, so older individuals have higher ratings because they have a longer borrowing history due to their age. The math here is quite simple: the longer your credit account exists, the higher your rating gets over time.

Here is how different age groups compare in terms of earning scores:

•  Gen Z (18–26 years): Many individuals at this age just start their financial journey and may have limited credit history. They try to set the foundation for future financial success by responsibly managing a card or student loan.
• Millennials (27–42 years): For this age group, the focus is shifted to building financial stability. This is the time when many are settling into their careers, starting families, or making substantial financial commitments like buying a home. They have to manage multiple financial responsibilities and strive to reduce debt and increase savings for future goals.
• Gen X (43–58 years): At this life stage, individuals seek to ensure their financial stability in the years ahead. Paying off mortgages, funding college educations for their children, and maximizing retirement savings are among the top priorities. People try to maintain a high rating to secure borrowed funds availability to pursue their financial goals.
• Baby Boomers (59–77 years): Approaching retirement, people tend to focus on paying off debt, downsizing their living arrangements, and solidifying their retirement savings. A good score still remains important for accessing credit if needed, refinancing existing debt, or making large purchases.

People’s priorities, needs, and demands change throughout life. As people grow older, most pay off loans and mortgages and reduce or close credit lines. At the same time, they have long enough credit histories and financial habits to show their reliability, hence a higher credit score average by age for oldsters.

Factors Contributing to Credit Rating

Your rating significantly impacts the interest rates you are offered and your likelihood of approval when applying for a mortgage, auto loan, or credit card. Understanding the key factors that influence the average American credit score is crucial to keeping yours in top shape.

• Payment History: This is the most crucial aspect of your score. It reflects how consistently you have made timely payments on your credit accounts. A history of on-time payments without delays and overdue can bolster your score, while late payments or defaults can send it plummeting.
• Credit Use: This measures the ratio of your current card balances to your total available credit limits. Keeping it low will positively impact your rating.
• Credit History Length: This includes the age of your oldest account, the average age of all your accounts, and the age of your newest account. Longe borrowing histories generally relate to higher scores.
• Credit Mix: Lenders appreciate diversity in your portfolio. A diverse mix of credit accounts, including cards, mortgages, and installment loans, can show your capability to handle various types of credit responsibly.
• New Credit: Opening multiple new accounts in a short timeframe can be a red flag for lenders, as it may indicate financial stress and a higher risk of default. It’s best to limit the number of new credit inquiries to keep your score healthy.

Notably, payment history and credit use are the prime factors to monitor and keep your eye on since they account for 35% and 30% of your overall rating accordingly. So, to boost your scoring, make sure you pay your bills on time, try to keep your credit card balances low, and pay off your balances in full whenever possible.

Final Thought

All in all, a high average credit score by age in the US evidences a quite high level of financial literacy and responsibility among Americans. When it comes to personal finance, this metric serves as a benchmark for comparing your creditworthiness against your peers. By understanding where you stand concerning the average credit score, you’ll be able to identify the areas for improvement and take proactive steps to nurture their credit health. With discipline, diligence, and a bit of financial savvy, you can steer your score toward greater heights and secure your financial future.