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The average FICO® credit score in Wisconsin is 737, according to Experian® data. That puts the state’s average in the “good” credit range of 670-739, and above the national average credit score of 714. Looking at the average credit score in America can provide useful context for understanding where your credit stands and how it measures nationally. Keep reading to explore how credit scores are calculated, what can affect yours, and how building your score may help you qualify for better financial opportunities.
Key Points
• The average FICO score in Wisconsin is 737, placing it at the upper end of the good range.
• Payment history has the biggest impact on a FICO Score, accounting for 35% of the calculation.
• Paying bills on time and managing credit balances responsibly can help you build and maintain a strong credit profile.
• Credit reports can vary because each lender may report different information to each bureau.
• Regular credit score monitoring and credit report reviews can help you spot errors, unfamiliar accounts, and potential signs of identity theft.
What Is a Credit Score?
Think of a credit score as a snapshot of your credit history. This three-digit number typically ranges from 300 to 850 and is calculated using information in your credit reports. Lenders use it to help assess the potential risk of lending you money.
The higher your score, the more creditworthy you may appear to lenders. A strong credit profile can increase your chances of qualifying for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and other forms of credit.
Credit score updates typically occur every 30-45 days as creditors report new information to the credit bureaus, but noticeable changes may take several months or longer. Regular monitoring can help you stay aware of changes to your credit.
Good to know: The starting credit score isn’t necessarily zero. If you’re new to credit, you may not have a score at all until you have enough credit history for a scoring model to calculate one. Once you have a score, it can fall anywhere within the model’s scoring range, depending on your credit history and the information in your credit report.
What Is the Average Credit Score in Wisconsin?
So, what is the average credit score? According to Experian, the average FICO credit score in Wisconsin is 737, which falls within the good credit range.
| Credit Category | FICO Score Range |
|---|---|
| Poor | 300-579 |
| Fair | 580-669 |
| Good | 670-739 |
| Very Good | 740-799 |
| Exceptional | 800-850 |
Wisconsin’s average of 737 falls just below the very good range, which begins at 740. Scores in this range may help you qualify for credit, while learning how to build credit can support stronger credit terms.
Average scores vary across the state based on factors such as location, age, and individual spending habits. Older adults who have managed loans for decades often have higher scores than young adults who are just starting to build credit.
What Is the Average Credit Score in the US?
If you’re wondering what is the average credit score in America, the average FICO score is 714, while the national VantageScore® 4.0 average is 701. Wisconsin’s average score of 737 is higher than both national benchmarks.
Average credit scores vary across the country. States in the Upper Midwest, including Wisconsin and Minnesota, have averages in the 730s or higher, while several Southern states have averages in the high 600s.
Factors Influencing the Average Credit Score
Credit scoring models evaluate information in your credit history to calculate your score. VantageScore and FICO consider similar credit behaviors, but they weigh those factors differently. Both score consumers on a 300-850 scale, and FICO identifies five key factors that influence its scores:
• Payment history (35%): Paying bills on time is the most important factor, while missed payments can hurt your score. A budgeting planner can help you track expenses, plan for upcoming bills, and stay on top of payments.
• Amounts owed (30%): This factor considers how much debt you have and how much of your available credit you’re using. Keeping credit balances below 30% of your limits can help protect your score. Lowering credit card utilization usually means paying down your balances, but increasing your credit limits can also work.
• Length of credit history (15%): A longer credit history generally works in your favor.
• Credit mix (10%): FICO considers your experience managing different types of credit, such as credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages. Having a mix of credit accounts can benefit your score.
• New credit (10%): Applying for new credit typically results in a hard inquiry, which can cause a small, temporary dip in your score.
Building credit can take months or years, depending on your credit history and what’s affecting your score. Consistent habits can help strengthen your credit profile and potentially reduce borrowing costs. SoFi Coach can be used to track your finances and stay on top of your goals.
Recommended: How Much Will My Credit Score Go Up Calculator
Why Do I Have More Than One Credit Score?
Seeing different credit scores when checking your accounts is normal. Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion are the three nationwide credit reporting companies in the U.S. Not every lender reports to all three, so the information in your credit reports and the scores calculated from that information can differ.
The VantageScore vs. FICO comparison comes down to how each scoring model evaluates the information in your credit history. Both use proprietary formulas, and FICO offers industry-specific versions for products such as auto loans and credit cards. Mortgage lenders may also use specific FICO Score versions, so the score you see may not be the same as the one a lender uses.
Where Can I Check My Credit Scores?
If you want to check your credit score without paying, your bank or credit card issuer may provide access through its website, app, or monthly statement. Nonprofit credit counseling agencies may also offer free credit score reviews as part of their services.
You can access your credit reports for free each week through AnnualCreditReport.com. Unlike a credit score, these reports provide detailed account information that can help you spot errors or unauthorized activity. For a free credit score check, your bank or credit card issuer may offer access to your score.
You may notice a credit score drop after a dispute if the investigation confirms accurate negative information, such as a missed payment. Filing a dispute itself does not lower your score, but changes to the information on your credit report can affect your score.
The Takeaway
The average credit score in Wisconsin is 737, which falls into the good range and exceeds the national average of 714. Paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low relative to your limits, and checking your credit reports for errors can all support a healthy credit score over time. These everyday borrowing habits play an important role in building and maintaining strong 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 Wisconsin?
There is no universal minimum credit score to buy a car, but most lenders look for borrowers with a score of 661 or higher for the best rates and terms. Higher scores generally make it easier to qualify for favorable loan terms, while a larger down payment may help if your score is lower.
What is a good credit score to buy a house in Wisconsin?
The credit score needed to buy a house varies by loan type. Conventional mortgages typically require a minimum score of 620, while FHA loans may accept scores as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment, or 500 with 10% down. A score of 670 or higher may make it easier to qualify for a mortgage and secure favorable terms.
What credit score do most Americans have?
Most Americans have FICO Scores in the good or very good ranges. FICO reports a national average score of 714, with more than 70% of U.S. consumers having scores of 670 or higher. About 15% of consumers have scores below 580, which falls in the poor range.
How rare is a 740 credit score?
A 740 credit score is not rare and marks the beginning of the very good FICO range. About 27.4% of consumers have scores between 740 and 799.
How rare is an 800 credit score?
An 800 credit score is uncommon nationwide, but Wisconsin has one of the highest concentrations of 800-plus FICO Scores in the country. Scores from 800-850 are considered exceptional, and about 23% of Americans have a FICO Score of 800 or higher.
How common is a 700 credit score?
A 700 credit score falls within the good FICO range of 670-739. About 20% of Americans have scores in this range. With Wisconsin’s average score at 737, a 700 score is below the state average but still within the good range.
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