A typical California resident has a FICO® credit score of 722, which is slightly higher than the national average credit score of 715. The state’s average VantageScore is also better than the U.S.: 712 vs. 705.
A good credit score could open more financial doors for you, such as accessing more competitive interest rates for loans. By understanding the average credit score in California, you can better see how your credit profile stacks up against others in your state and identify areas of improvements.
Key Points
• The average credit score in California is 722, slightly above the national average of 717.
• Factors influencing credit scores include payment history, credit utilization, and length of credit history.
• Tips to improve credit scores involve making timely payments, keeping credit utilization low, and regularly checking credit reports.
• A 722 credit score is considered “good” by FICO, as it falls within the 670 to 739 range.
• Maintaining a good credit score can lead to better loan terms and lower interest rates.
What Is a Credit Score?
Think of a credit score like a resume but for your credit behavior. This three-digit number ranges from 300 to 850 and is based on information gathered from your credit history. Lenders often use it to determine your future credit behavior, such as whether you’re more likely to pay loans on time.
In general, the higher your score, the more creditworthy you’ll likely appear to lenders — and the better your chances are to receive favorable rates and terms.
Recommended: What Is the Starting Credit Score?
What Is the Average Credit Score in California?
If you live in California and want to see how your credit score compares to fellow residents, it helps to look at two popular credit scoring models: FICO and VantageScore®.
As discussed, Californians have an average FICO Score of 722 and an average VantageScore of 712. These numbers are part of a larger positive trend in the state, according to the California Policy Lab, a research institute at the University of California. A 2024 analysis reveals that the average credit score in the state has been increasing steadily since 2013.
California Policy Lab also looked at how credit scores differed within the state based on a consumer’s location. As of December 2024, residents in the Bay area had the highest average credit score in the state, at 732. Meanwhile, people living in the San Joaquin Valley had the lowest score, at 688.
Scores also varied by age. At 743, Boomers (age 61-79) have the highest average score in California. The Greatest Generation (98+) had the lowest average credit score —663.
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What Is the Average Credit Score in the U.S.?
As we mentioned above, Experian data shows the average FICO in the U.S. is 715 and the average VantageScore is 705. By comparison, the average FICO Score in California is 722 and the average VantageScore is 712.
What Is a Good Credit Score?
A “good” credit score depends on which scoring model you use. FICO considers a good score to fall between 670 and 730. A good VantageScore credit score is between 661 to 715. In general, those with a minimum credit score of 670 have a “good” credit score.
Factors Influencing the Average Credit Score
There are certain factors that affect your credit score, and all of them have to do with how you manage your credit accounts.
FICO and VantageScore consider the following when determining your score:
• Payment history: Lenders want to know you’ll pay back what you owe in full and on time, so this factor ranks as one of the most influential factors that determine your credit score. If you need help making on-time payments, consider enlisting the help of a spending app.
• Credit utilization/amounts owed: Credit utilization is the percentage of the available credit limit that you’re using. The higher the percentage, the more it could negatively affect your score.
• Length of credit history: Having a longer credit history can offer scoring models more insight into how you use credit, though it’s not hugely influential when calculating a credit score.
• Credit mix: Scoring models will take into account how well you manage different types of loans, such as a mortgage, credit cards, and personal loans.
• New credit: When you apply for a new account, the lender will likely perform a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. Opening multiple new accounts in a short period of time could affect your score and may signal financial strain to lenders.
Why Do I Have More Than One Credit Score?
Every consumer has more than one credit score, and there are a few reasons for this. For starters, the information lenders provide to each of the three main credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — may vary slightly. A lender may choose to report data to one, two, or all three agencies, for example.
There are also various scoring models that a lender may use, including FICO and VantageScore, and each may weigh certain credit behaviors differently. One model might put greater weight on credit utilization or length of credit history, for instance.
Timing also plays a role. Generally, credit scores update every 30 to 45 days, and your score can change as new information becomes available.
Regardless of those factors, it’s important to understand what your credit score is so that you can use the information to build your credit and make progress toward your financial goals.
Recommended: FICO Score vs. Credit Score
Where Can I Check My Credit Scores?
Credit score monitoring is a smart thing for any consumer to do but can be particularly helpful if you’re getting ready to apply for a loan. You’ll not only see what information lenders can access, you can also use your score to gauge what loans you may qualify for.
The good news is, there are plenty of ways you can check your credit score without paying — whether you live in California or any other state. Banks often provide this information to their customers for free, as do credit card issuers. If you’re working with a credit counselor, they may be able to provide you with your score.
The Takeaway
The average credit score in California is 722 for FICO and 712 for VantageScore. Both scores are higher than the national average, and both are considered good. If you want to build your score, consider paying bills on time, keeping credit utilization low, and responsibly managing a mix of credit.
Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.
FAQ
What is a good credit score to buy a car?
There’s no minimum credit score required when you’re applying for a car loan. That said, the higher your score, the more likely you are to receive a lower interest rate and more favorable terms.
What is a good credit score to buy a house?
The minimum credit score you need for a mortgage will depend on the type of loan you’re pursuing. For example, conventional loans and VA loans typically require borrowers to have a credit score of at least 620, though some lenders prefer to see a minimum credit score of 640. FHA loans, on the other hand, may be within reach for home buyers who have a credit score as low as 500, though they’ll be required to come up with a 10% down payment.
What credit score do most Americans have?
According to Experian, the average credit score in the U.S. is 715, which is generally considered a good score.
How rare is a 740 credit score?
A credit score of 740 isn’t that rare. According to Experian, 28% of Americans have a credit score of 740 or higher.
How rare is an 800 credit score?
Experian data found that some 22% of Americans have a credit score of 800 or higher. So, an 800 credit score isn’t uncommon.
How common is a 700 credit score?
More than one in five Americans (21%) have a credit score that falls between 670 and 739, which is considered “good.”
photo credit: iStock/anyaberkut
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