Factors that contribute to a higher credit score include a history of on-time payments, low balances on your credit cards, a mix of different credit card and loan accounts, older credit accounts, and minimal inquiries for new credit.
Try to make your payments on time and pay at least the minimum if you can. Paying credit card or loan payments on time, every time, is the most important thing you can do to help build your score. If you are able to pay more than the minimum, that is also helpful for your score.
Whatever your reason for wondering how long it takes to get a credit score, you can generally expect it to take about six months – and usually longer to get into the good-to-exceptional credit score range.
Although ranges vary depending on the credit scoring model, generally credit scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair; 670 to 739 are considered good; 740 to 799 are considered very good; and 800 and up are considered excellent.
If you want help, you can hire a credit repair company to assist you. They generally charge anywhere from $19 to $149 a month for their services. But beware of scam credit repair offers, which may leave you in worse financial shape than before. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
If your credit score lands between 300 and 579, it is considered poor, therefore lenders may see you as a risk. Here's how the FICO credit scoring system ranks credit scores: Poor: 300-579. Fair: 580-669. Good: 670-739.
A perfect score of 850 will give you bragging rights, but any score of 800 or up is considered exceptional and will usually give you access to the best rates on credit cards, auto loans, and any other loans.
Building credit for the first time generally takes at least six months, but building good credit can take even longer. While you work toward your goal of building a strong credit profile, practice responsible credit habits and be patient.
Rebuilding your credit doesn't happen overnight. It takes time to re-establish a good payment history, pay down the debts you may have and let negative information cycle off your credit report. It may help to know how long negative information appears on credit reports.
Of course, paying your bills on time will help your credit, insofar as the absence of "negative" items does not ding your score. If you want to improve a credit score, simply paying gas, electric, or water bills on time will not help much in many cases.
So, given the fact that the average credit score for people in their 20s is 630 and a “good” credit score is typically around 700, it's safe to say a good credit score in your 20s is in the high 600s or low 700s.
To start building credit, you'll need to have at least one credit account open or take out a loan. You'll also want to ensure your repayment information is reported to the three main consumer credit bureaus. Learn more about the different approaches to establishing credit and getting great credit scores.
