What’s a good credit score and how do I get one?
Credit scores are one of those things everyone’s supposed to know about, but no one really teaches you. And yet, they affect everything, from getting approved for a loan to how much you’ll pay in interest on your next car.
If your credit score feels like a mystery, you’re not alone. We’re digging into what counts as a good score, why it matters, and how to start building better credit without drowning in debt.
What Is a Credit Score?
A credit score is a number between 300 and 850 that tells lenders how likely you are to pay back borrowed money. The higher your score, the more trustworthy you look in the eyes of banks, landlords, and even cell phone providers.
The most commonly used score is your FICO Score, which is calculated based on five contributing factors:
| Payment history | 35% |
| Amounts owed | 30% |
| Length of credit history | 15% |
| Credit mix | 10% |
| New credit inquiries | 10% |
What’s a Good Credit Score?
According to FICO:
| Score Range | Rating |
|---|---|
| 800–850 | Exceptional |
| 740–799 | Very Good |
| 670–739 | Good |
| 580–669 | Fair |
| 300–579 | Poor |
A score of 670 or higher is generally considered good, and puts you in range for better interest rates, loan approvals, and more flexible terms.
How Do I Build or Improve My Credit Score?
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to carry debt to build credit. Here’s how to do it smartly:
1. Always Pay On Time
Seriously. Payment history is the biggest factor. Set up autopay if you need to—late payments can drag your score down fast.
2. Keep Your Credit Utilization Low
This means don’t max out your cards. Try to keep your balance under 30% of your credit limit—and lower is even better.
3. Don’t Close Old Accounts
Even if you don’t use them, old accounts help show a long credit history, which is good for your score.
4. Only Apply for Credit When You Need It
Every credit application triggers a “hard inquiry,” which can lower your score a few points temporarily.
5. Consider a Secured Credit Card
If you’re building credit from scratch, a secured card (backed by a deposit) is a safe way to prove you’re responsible without overspending.
Avoid Debt-Based Quick Cash
One of the most common traps people fall into when trying to build credit is taking out loans they don’t need. Payday loans, cash advances, and “buy now, pay later” services might feel like financial progress, but they can wreck your score fast if you can’t pay them off in time.
Instead? Leverage what you already have. Old phone lying around? Trade it in for quick cash. It’s smarter than taking out high-interest loans, and it won’t hurt your credit.
You can check your phone’s worth in seconds at GoBuckUp.com.
Our Bottom Line
Building good credit doesn’t require credit wizardry or taking on massive debt. With a few simple habits and some smart financial choices, you’ll be on your way to a stronger score and all the perks that come with it.
And remember: when you need extra cash, don’t go backwards into debt.
Go BuckUp instead.