Table of Contents
If you’re wondering about the average credit score in America, the average FICO® credit score in South Carolina is 699, according to Experian® data. That falls within the “good” credit range of 670-739, though it is below the U.S. national average FICO Score of 714. Comparing your score with state and national averages can give you a clear picture of where you stand financially and where there may be opportunities to improve. Learn more about the factors behind credit scores and what the numbers can tell you about your overall credit profile.
Key Points
• The average FICO credit score in South Carolina is 699, which falls within the good credit range.
• Payment history is the most influential factor in your FICO score, accounting for 35% of the calculation.
• Keeping credit balances low and making payments on time can help support a stronger credit profile.
• The three major credit bureaus collect and report information independently, so your credit scores may vary slightly from one bureau to another.
• Regular credit score monitoring can help you stay informed about changes to your credit and spot potential errors or signs of identity theft early.
What Is a Credit Score?
Think of a credit score as a measure of your borrowing history, typically ranging from 300-850. Credit scoring models use information from your credit reports to calculate this three-digit number. Lenders, credit card issuers, and other financial institutions use credit scores to help assess the risk of extending credit.
A higher score may make it easier to qualify for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and other forms of financing. Stronger credit may also help you qualify for lower interest rates and more favorable loan terms, potentially reducing the amount you pay over time.
Credit scores can change as lenders report new information to the credit bureaus, including updates to your balances, payment history, and account activity. These credit score updates can occur every 30-45 days, depending on when creditors report information.
The starting credit score isn’t automatically zero or 300. Instead, you begin without a credit score until you have enough information in your credit history for a scoring model to calculate one. Once you have established a credit history, your score can fall anywhere within the applicable scoring range based on the information in your credit reports.
What Is the Average Credit Score in South Carolina?
South Carolina’s average FICO credit score is 699, putting it in the good range.
| Credit Category | FICO Score Range |
|---|---|
| Poor | 300-579 |
| Fair | 580-669 |
| Good | 670-739 |
| Very Good | 740-799 |
| Exceptional | 800-850 |
Learning how to build credit can help you establish stronger financial habits over time. Age can also play a role, with Experian data showing higher average FICO Scores among older generations, partly reflecting their longer credit histories.
Building better financial habits takes time and consistency. SoFi Coach can help you stay organized with your finances and work toward your broader financial goals.
What Is the Average Credit Score in the US?
What is the average credit score in America? The national average FICO Score is 714, while the average VantageScore® 4.0 is 701. South Carolina’s average FICO score of 699 is below both national figures.
Average FICO Scores vary considerably across states. States such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Vermont, and New Hampshire had averages in the mid-to-high 730s in 2025, while several Southern states, including Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, and Texas, averaged in the high 600s.
Factors Influencing the Average Credit Score
Understanding what affects your credit score can help you make smarter decisions about your credit. For FICO Scores, the main factors include:
• Payment history (35%): Making payments on time is the most important factor. Late payments can negatively affect your score.
• Amounts owed (30%): This includes your credit utilization, or how much of your available revolving credit you’re using. Lowering credit card utilization by paying down balances can help build your score.
• Length of credit history (15%): The age of your accounts and how long you’ve been using credit can influence your score.
• Credit mix (10%): Managing different types of credit, such as installment loans and credit cards, can contribute to your score.
• New credit (10%): Opening several new accounts or applying for credit frequently can result in hard inquiries, which may cause a small, temporary drop in your score.
Learning how to build credit takes time. Depending on your credit history, it can take months or years to establish or improve your score. Consistent, responsible credit habits can help you make progress over time.
A money tracker app can help you monitor spending and manage your budget. Staying organized with your finances can make it easier to keep balances manageable and maintain healthy credit habits.
Recommended: How Much Will My Credit Score Go Up Calculator
Why Do I Have More Than One Credit Score?
It’s normal for your credit score to vary depending on where you check it. The three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — collect and maintain credit information separately. Because not every lender reports to all three bureaus, your credit reports may contain different information, which can lead to different scores.
Credit scoring models are another reason you may see different numbers. VantageScore vs. FICO reflects two different approaches to evaluating your credit history, with each model using its own criteria to calculate a score.
Where Can I Check My Credit Scores?
Checking your own credit score does not hurt your credit. If you want a free credit score check, your bank or credit card issuer may offer access to your score at no cost. Keep in mind that a credit score and a credit report provide different information.
Federal law also gives you access to free credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com. The Federal Trade Commission says you can request a free report from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus once a week.
A dispute itself does not lower your credit score. However, if an investigation changes or removes information from your credit report, your score may change because the information used to calculate it has changed.
The Takeaway
South Carolina’s average FICO score is 699, which falls within the good range. While that’s below the national average of 714, your own credit score depends on your individual credit history and financial habits. Paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, and reviewing your credit reports regularly can help you build and maintain stronger credit.
Take control of your finances with SoFi Coach. You can easily view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard: bank and investment balances, current debts, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Easily set up budgets and spot upcoming bills. And get personalized insights on everyday money questions and take action with Coach chat, the AI guide that’s powered by the playbooks of SoFi Financial Planners, so its guidance comes from expert knowledge.
FAQ
What is a good credit score to buy a car in South Carolina?
There’s no single credit score required to get an auto loan in South Carolina. Experian says a VantageScore of 661 or higher is considered prime and may improve your chances of favorable terms, while a FICO Score of 670 or higher falls in the good range. A larger down payment may also improve your approval odds or reduce how much you need to borrow.
What is a good credit score to buy a house in South Carolina?
Mortgage credit score requirements vary by loan type and lender. A conventional mortgage typically requires a score of at least 620, while FHA loans may allow scores as low as 500 with a 10% down payment or 580 with 3.5% down. Higher scores can improve your chances of qualifying for lower interest rates and more favorable terms.
What credit score do most Americans have?
Most Americans have FICO Scores in the good, very good, or exceptional ranges. FICO reports that the national average score is 714. More than 70% of consumers have FICO Scores of 670 or higher, while about 15% have scores below 580, placing them in the poor credit range.
How rare is a 740 credit score?
A 740 credit score is not particularly rare. It marks the beginning of the very good FICO range, and about 27.4% of consumers have scores between 740 and 799. A score in this range can help you qualify for competitive rates and terms, depending on the lender and type of credit.
How rare is an 800 credit score?
An 800 credit score is uncommon but not unusual. Scores from 800-850 fall in the exceptional FICO range, and about 22.9% of consumers have scores in this range. Maintaining a strong payment history and managing credit responsibly can help you reach this level.
How common is a 700 credit score?
A 700 credit score is fairly common and falls within the good FICO range of 670-739. About 19.8% of consumers have scores in this range, and South Carolina’s average FICO Score of 699 is just one point lower.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. The products, services, or features discussed may not currently be available via the SoFi platform. Any references to third-party products, services, or companies do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or solicitation by SoFi. Readers should independently evaluate their options and consider their individual financial needs and circumstances before making any decisions. ©2026 SoFi Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
SORL-Q326-105