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The average FICO® credit score in Tennessee is 703, according to Experian®. That falls into the “good” credit score category, just below the U.S. national average of 714. Comparing your score with these benchmarks can give you a clearer picture of where you stand and highlight areas where you may be able to improve your overall financial habits. Read on to learn how your credit score compares to the average credit score in America and what you can do to build your credit profile.
Key Points
• The average FICO credit score in Tennessee is 703, which sits within the “good” credit score category.
• Payment history is the most significant factor in determining a score, accounting for 35% of the calculation.
• Making on-time payments and having low debt balances help you build and maintain a strong credit profile.
• Credit bureaus collect borrowing records independently, leading to minor variations across reports.
• Checking your credit reports periodically can help you spot errors and see how your everyday financial habits impact your score.
What Is a Credit Score?
Think of a credit score like a grade point average for your borrowing habits. Your score is a three-digit number ranging from 300 to 850, calculated using the information listed on your credit reports. Banks, credit card companies, and other lenders typically check this number to measure the level of risk when you apply for a loan.
When your score is higher, you’ll appear more reliable to lenders. Maintaining a strong credit profile means you may have a better chance of getting approved for credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages.
The starting credit score isn’t zero. The lowest score you can have is 300, but a starting score is more likely to be in the “fair” range of 580-669.
Credit scores can change when lenders and creditors report updated information to the credit bureaus, and you may see credit score updates every 30-45 days, which is why regular credit score monitoring can be helpful. Keeping track of these changes lets you see how your everyday financial decisions impact your score over time.
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What Is the Average Credit Score in Tennessee?
As mentioned above, in Tennessee, the average FICO credit score is 703, according to Experian. A score of 703 falls into the “good” credit score range, which spans 670-739.
This average score of 703 means many Tennessee residents can get approved for standard financial products. However, those with scores closer to the “very good” or “exceptional” ranges may unlock better offers.
Although the average credit score in Tennessee is 703, that doesn’t mean every resident has the exact same score. Average scores vary across Tennessee based on age and credit history. For instance, older adults who have managed loans for decades often have higher scores than younger adults who are just starting out.
Knowing where you sit relative to the state benchmark can give you a clear baseline for setting your personal goals.
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What Is the Average Credit Score in the US?
So, what is the average credit score in America? The average FICO credit score across the U.S. is 714, while the average national VantageScore® is 701. Tennessee’s average FICO Score of 703 is slightly lower than the FICO benchmark.
Average credit scores vary by state. In 2025, Minnesota had the highest average FICO Score at 742, while Mississippi had the lowest at 680. Several states in the Midwest and New England had average scores in the 730s or higher, while a number of Southern states had averages in the upper 600s or low 700s.
SoFi Coach features a free AI-powered financial assistant that can answer all your questions about credit scores and share tips to improve your financial standing.
Factors Influencing the Average Credit Score
Credit score models evaluate various factors when calculating your score. FICO, for example, focuses on the following:
• Payment history (35%): When considering what affects your credit score, paying your bills on time matters most. Missing payments is likely to cause your score to drop.
• Amounts owed/Credit utilization (30%): This measures how much of your available credit you are using. Keeping your balances under 30% can help limit the impact of high balances on your credit score. Lowering credit card utilization usually involves paying down your balances, but increasing your limits also works.
• Length of credit history (15%): Having accounts open for a longer period provides scoring models with more information to assess.
• Credit mix (10%): Lenders prefer to see that you can manage a combination of revolving credit accounts and different loans.
• New credit (10%): Applying for multiple new lines of credit in a short window could temporarily knock a few points off your total.
Learning how to build credit can pay off by saving you money over time. Building credit can take several months or longer, depending on what’s holding down your credit score.
Why Do I Have More Than One Credit Score?
When you sign up for credit score monitoring, it’s normal to see a few differences across your scores across your accounts. Three major credit reporting bureaus operate nationwide: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Lenders do not always report your activity to all three bureaus. If one bureau is missing a specific record, your score with that bureau will differ.
There are also various scoring models, such as FICO and VantageScore, and each uses a proprietary formula to weigh financial habits. What’s more, lenders typically use a particular version of these scores depending on what you are applying for. An auto lender might check a FICO Auto Score, while a mortgage company may check a classic FICO model.
Where Can I Check My Credit Scores?
Checking your credit score is easy, and doing it yourself does not affect your score. If you want to check your credit score without paying, you have several options. Banks, credit card issuers, and credit counseling agencies often provide this information to their customers for free. Many financial mobile apps and web portals may also provide a free credit score check.
You are also entitled by law to pull your full credit reports for free. And the three credit bureaus now allow you to pull them weekly from AnnualCreditReport.com. These reports show your detailed credit history — not your three-digit credit score — letting you check for errors.
Once in a while, you may notice your credit score drop after a dispute. While filing a dispute doesn’t harm your credit, the information that’s uncovered — such as a missed payment — may impact your profile.
The Takeaway
Tennessee’s average FICO credit score of 703 falls into the “good” range, offering many residents solid access to basic loan and credit options. While this score sits slightly below the national average of 714, you control your own credit journey. Paying bills on time, keeping card balances low, and regularly reviewing your credit reports can help you build a strong financial foundation.
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 Tennessee?
There’s no minimum credit score needed when you’re applying for a car loan. Auto lenders generally consider a score of 660 or higher to be a solid target. Having a score in the “good” range (670-739) may make it easier to get approved. If your score is on the lower side, offering a larger cash down payment may help secure approval.
What is a good credit score to buy a house in Tennessee?
The minimum credit score you need depends on the type of mortgage you’re pursuing. Conventional mortgages typically require a minimum score of 620, while FHA loans may accept scores down to 580 with a 3.5% down payment or 500 with a 10% down payment. Buyers who have a score of 670 or higher may have an easier time qualifying.
What credit score do most Americans have?
Most Americans have a credit score in the “good” or “very good” ranges. FICO data shows the national average FICO Score sits at 714, and over 70% of U.S. consumers have a FICO Score of 670 or higher. Only about 15% of American consumers have scores in the “poor” category below 580.
How rare is a 740 credit score?
A 740 credit score is not rare, and it marks the starting point of the “very good” category on the FICO scale. Across the U.S., 27.4% of consumers have a score between 740 and 799.
How rare is an 800 credit score?
An 800 credit score isn’t uncommon, and it’s achieved by a significant portion of the population. Scores of 800-850 fall into the “exceptional” range. Approximately 22.9% of Americans have a score of 800 or higher.
How common is a 700 credit score?
A 700 credit score is very common. It rests comfortably inside the “good” range (670-739). About 19.8% of Americans have scores in this specific block. Since Tennessee’s state average score is 703, holding a 700 score puts you right around the typical score for local residents.
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