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Having good credit can help you reach financial goals such as buying a car or home or renting an apartment. If you’re in your 20s, it makes sense that your credit score may be lower than that of older friends. That’s because you have a shorter credit history, an important factor in calculating your score.

Still, you can use averages to gauge where you stand credit-wise. Credit bureaus don’t use your age to calculate your score, though there are patterns based on it., Let’s take a look at the average credit score for a 25 year old and see what it could mean for your financial life.

Average Credit Score for a 25 Year Old

While data doesn’t explicitly show the average credit score breakdowns by age, it does by age ranges. Those who are 25 fall under what are considered Gen Z, and this generation’s average FICO^® credit score was 678 in 2025.

Recommended: What Is the Starting Credit Score?

What Is a Credit Score?

A credit score is a three-digit number, typically ranging from 300-850, that predicts your credit behavior. It shows lenders how likely you are to pay back loans on time.

Credit scoring companies such as FICO and VantageScore calculate your credit score based on information from your credit history. The factors they use include your payment history, how long you’ve had credit or accounts open, and new credit applications. The higher your score, the less of a risk you are to lenders, as it demonstrates you pay back loans on time.

Recommended: How to Check Your Credit Score for Free

What Is the Average Credit Score?

As of October 2025, the average FICO credit score for all ages was 714. The average VantageScore for all ages was 702 as of June 2026.

Average Credit Score by Age

The average credit score tends to go up the older someone is, which could be attributed to a longer credit history and opportunities to open different types of accounts. The table below shows average FICO credit scores according to Experian data from September 2025.

What’s a Good Credit Score for Your Age?

Even if your credit score is at or above the average for your age range, it doesn’t mean that it’s good or that it’ll help you reach your financial goals. A better way to gauge your credit is by using credit score ranges from FICO and VantageScore. That way, you can understand the likelihood of qualifying for credit cards and other types of loans.

FICO

VantageScore

How Are Credit Scores Used?

Lenders use credit scores as a factor in determining whether to approve you for a loan. Your credit score provides a snapshot of your risk as a borrower and how you use credit. In many cases, the higher your credit score, the more likely you’ll be approved for loans at more competitive rates and terms. Or, you may have access to more loan products, such as luxury rewards credit cards.

Factors Influencing the Average Credit Score

There are factors that affect credit scores:

•   Payment history: This aspect of your credit score looks at whether you pay your loans on time, including accounts that may have gone to collections.

•   Length of credit history: Having a longer credit history can offer more insights into your credit behavior.

•   Credit utilization: Credit utilization is the percentage of available credit you use on revolving accounts. The more you use, the more it could seem you’re overextended on your accounts.

•   Credit mix: Scoring models look at the varieties of credit you have such as mortgages, credit cards, and car loans.

•   New credit: Opening or applying for new credit accounts within a short span of time could affect your credit score.

How to Strengthen Your Credit Score

Credit scores can fluctuate over time due to a number of reasons. If your credit score is lower than you’d like, consider these best practices to build credit:

•   Set up automatic payments or reminders to help you pay loans on or before the due date.

•   Keep your accounts current by paying off past due balances.

•   Check your credit history reports to see what may have led to a drop in your score.

•   Fix any errors on your credit reports.

•   Increase your credit card limits.

•   Avoid applying for new credit unless necessary.

•   Keep accounts as long as possible, even if they’re not currently being used.

•   Watch your credit card balances to make sure they don’t get too high.

How Does My Age Affect My Credit Score?

Your age doesn’t directly affect your credit score. Instead, it’s based on factors such as your payment history and the length of time you’ve had credit. The earlier you start building your credit, the more opportunities you’ll have to get a good credit score.

Recommended: How Long Does It Take to Build Credit?

At What Age Does Credit Score Improve the Most?

There’s no set age when your credit score will improve the most because it’ll depend on factors such as when you start building credit and whether you pay loans consistently on time. Older generations may have higher credit scores because they have more chances to build their credit. It’s important to focus on where you are at now and what you can do to keep building your credit.

Credit Score Tips

Aside from paying your bills on time, consider other ways you can build credit. While it may be hard to open a new loan or credit card if you have a limited credit history, you can consider products such as a secured credit card. A secured credit card has a refundable security deposit that acts as your credit line. Another option is a credit builder loan, where the lender sets aside your loan funds in a separate savings account and you can access the cash once you’ve paid off the loan.

The Takeaway

While looking at the average credit score for a 25 year old may be useful to see where you stand, it’s more effective to look at your credit history to see what you can do to build your score. By regularly monitoring your score, you can see whether the actions you’re taking are helpful.

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

Can I buy a house with a 633 credit score?

Yes, it’s possible to qualify for a mortgage with a 633 credit score. You may be able to qualify for an FHA loan or a conventional mortgage but potentially at a higher interest rate.

Can I buy a house with a 613 credit score?

Yes, it’s possible to buy a house with a 613 credit score, though it may limit your loan options and result in higher interest rates. FHA loans, designed for those with lower credit scores, are often a good option, but lenders may require a larger down payment.

What credit score is needed to buy a $300K house?

The credit score you need to buy a $300K house will depend on the type of mortgage you want. Other factors, such as your income, available assets, and down payment, also influence the credit score a lender may require.

Is 650 a good credit score?

A 650 credit score falls into the fair credit score range. It’s a little below the current average credit score of 714 and the good range, which starts at 670.

Is a 750 credit score good at 25?

Yes, a 750 credit score at 25 is considered excellent and indicates strong credit habits for someone in this age group. This high score can help secure favorable interest rates and better loan terms, giving an advantage in achieving financial goals.

How rare is an 800 credit score?

Less than a quarter of U.S. consumers (22.8%) have a credit score of at least 800. This exceptional score reflects consistent financial responsibility, including on-time payments, low credit utilization, and a long credit history.

Photo credit: iStock/Anchiy

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SORL-Q326-019

Looking to get a better handle on your finances? You may want to consider a monthly bullet journal. Part calendar, part to-do list, part note keeper, this type of journal can help you organize your finances, track short- and long-term financial goals, and more. And because it’s highly customizable, you can modify your journal to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re trying to curb your spending, get out of debt, or improve your financial habits, read on for ways a bullet journal can help.

What Is a Monthly Log?

Having a daily to-do list is useful. But sometimes it helps to see the larger goals and tasks you’ve set for yourself, especially if you’re working to develop good financial habits. Enter the monthly log, which is a key component of many bullet journals. The log gives you a snapshot of the things you’d like to accomplish that month and the progress you’ve made so far. You may choose to include it alongside your daily or weekly to-do list or keep it on a separate page.

How to Fill Out Your Monthly Log

Figuring out what should go in the log each month may take some time. You might find it helpful to make a big list of all upcoming events and tasks. Then, place each item in the correct month’s log, and be sure to add details such as important dates and milestones. You may also decide to categorize and color-code each entry for easy skimming.

Here are some different ways you can tackle financial stress through journaling:

•   Get control of bills by listing when each bill is due, how much is due, and the payment method you plan on using.

•   Keep tabs on your savings plan by noting when you intend on putting money into your savings account, how much you’re depositing, and where the money is coming from, such as your checking account or paycheck.

•   Track your progress on paying down student loans, car loans, personal loans, credit cards, and other debt.

You can also use a monthly log along with your budget or a spending app to help you better understand your spending habits.

Benefits of Using a Bullet Journal

There are plenty of reasons why people turn to bullet journaling to help them keep their finances on track. For starters, recording things like your expenses and spending, household budget, or savings goals can help you stay organized and increase productivity. There’s also the thrill of watching your savings balance go up or debt balance go down — and celebrating those accomplishments.

Visual learners may find monthly logs especially useful, particularly if they decide to color-code entries. But even just jotting down important details about your financial life can help keep your goals top of mind.

4 Monthly Bullet Journal Ideas

Here’s the beauty of a bullet journal: You can try out strategies others use or create a bespoke system for yourself. It can be as simple or complex as you’d like, and you may even find that it evolves over time. Here are four ideas on how to use bullet journaling in your financial life.

Use a Bullet Journal to Control Spending

You don’t have to have the classic signs of a shopaholic to want to curb your spending. A bullet journal can be a great tool to help you rein in the number of purchases you make.

One idea is to create a weekly bullet journal where you set how much you’ve allotted for discretionary spending that week and track any purchases made. Understanding how and where your money is going could help you avoid the bottom-dollar effect. This is when you may feel less satisfied with the last item you were able to buy with your budget.

Another option is the kakeibo budgeting method. This simple but effective strategy requires you to create a line item budget at the start of each month based on how much you plan on earning and spending, plus your savings goals. Throughout the month, you track every single penny you spend. At the end of the month, review the log to see if you stayed on track spending-wise and are making progress on your savings goals.

Recommended: 10 Tips for Spending Your Money Wisely

Use a Bullet Journal for Financial Education

Despite what you may think, you can learn about finance without having a finance background. In fact, boosting your financial literacy could improve how well you spend, save, and invest your money. And a bullet journal might help get you there. You can use it to track your progress in an online financial literacy course, for example, or as a place to write down the books or podcasts that will help build your personal finance knowledge.

Use a Bullet Journal to Land a Job

Whether you’re searching for your dream job or just the next gig, consider devoting a few pages of your bullet journal to your job search. You may want to start by listing your goals in an easy-to-see spot so you can refer to them throughout the process. Use other areas to note the roles you apply for, key details about the positions, notes on the companies you researched, and any upcoming interviews. You can also try creating daily, weekly, or monthly to-do lists in your journal to help you stay on track.

Recommended: How to Make Money Even With No Job

Use a Bullet Journal to Track Progress on Long-Term Goals

Say that you’re saving for a big-ticket item, like a house or car, or setting a long-term goal, such as paying off a large credit card bill. Bullet journaling lets you set those goals and track your progress. You can also break the goals down into smaller, easier-to-manage tasks that you set on a daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis.

The Takeaway

Bullet journals allow you to record tasks, deadlines, responsibilities, and more in a format that combines a to-do list with a calendar. Though it can serve a wide variety of purposes, a bullet journal can also help you organize your finances and maximize your productivity. Common ideas include journaling to control spending, boost your financial literacy, help with a job search, and work on short- and long-term financial goals.

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 should be in a monthly bullet journal?

Monthly bullet journals are flexible, so use them to suit your needs. For instance, if you want to monitor and manage your personal finances, you can use the bullet journal to track when bills are due, when you plan to deposit money into a savings account, how much debt you have, and more.

How do you make a monthly bullet journal?

You can purchase ready-made bullet journals or make your own by simply buying a notebook you like and personalizing it. It’s a good idea to create an index that you can update when needed, as well as a log to list your future goals. You can also create sections for monthly and daily logs, where you can add more details.

What are monthly spreads for?

A monthly spread is another name for a monthly log. This is where you lay out the tasks you have for a particular month. Typically, a spread runs two or more pages, but do whatever works best for you.

Photo credit: iStock/Twomeows_IS

SoFi Coach offers users the ability to connect SoFi and external accounts using the Plaid service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from external companies as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent, SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without your needing to connect additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, nondelivery or failure to store any user data, the loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. Your credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

SORL-Q326-042

Salary negotiation is something that everyone should learn. Increasing your income early in your professional life can help set you up for a more lucrative career, stable finances, and comfortable retirement. And every time you don’t ask for a higher salary or raise, you limit your potential earnings from that moment on.

The fact is, you have little to lose. A 2024 article in the Harvard Business Review reported that a mere 6% of job offers fell through after candidates tried to negotiate their salary. And according to a survey by Resume Genius, 78% of workers who sought higher starting pay said they received a better offer after negotiating.

Read on for negotiation tactics and strategies to help you climb higher on the compensation ladder.

Best Salary Negotiation Tactics

To negotiate your salary, you need a well-prepared, data-supported argument as to why you deserve higher pay. The next task is to deliver that argument confidently and convincingly. Here’s how.

Research the National Average Salary

Before you begin the negotiation, check the national and local average salaries for jobs similar to yours. The best sources for this information are Glassdoor, SalaryExpert, Salary.com, Indeed, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Once you have the data, you can compare your salary to others’. You may adjust your expectations based on the demand for the type of work you do and the cost of living in your area. The latter is why salaries vary from one region to another.

Pitch to Justify Your Desired Salary

You can use the data on local and national salaries as benchmarks in a pitch for your desired salary. Two major points to cover in your pitch are the cost of living where you work and the demand for your skills.

If you hope to buy a place near your employer, a home affordability calculator can help you assess how much salary you need to live comfortably and own a home.

In New York, for example, your cost of living will be much higher than in Arkansas. Reflecting the economics, an elementary school teacher in Arkansas earns an average annual salary of $43,083. In New York, the average annual salary for an elementary school teacher is $57,001.

As for skills that are in demand, nurse practitioners are currently in short supply. According to the BLS, NPs are a fast-growing job, with demand expected to rise by 35% between 2024 and 2034. Compare that to the average growth rate for all occupations of 3%.

If there is high demand for your skills in your area, consider pitching your desired salary at the high end. All other things being equal, you may opt to work for the company that is prepared to pay you the most.

One argument that won’t fly? Stating the salary you need to pay your mortgage and other bills — that’s between you and your spending app.

Decide on Your Salary Range

Before negotiating your salary, decide on the minimum salary you will accept. Say your research showed salaries from $75K to $100K, and you want to earn at least $85K. This advice can apply to recent grads negotiating a good entry-level salary or mid-career professionals working toward a promotion.

If you provide a range to an employer or hiring manager, it’s safe to assume that they will negotiate down, so it’s better to state a single number. If your goal is $85K, try asking for $92,250. Being specific implies that you have done careful research and gives you negotiating room. Just be careful not to aim too high, or you’ll price yourself out of the market. And if you lowball yourself, chances are you’ll be unhappy in the position.

Be willing to walk away if the employer does not meet your minimum salary. The company can always come back to you with another offer, and you can always find another employer.

Recommended: Is $40,000 a Good Salary?

Consider Other Benefits

After deciding the minimum salary you will accept, consider other incentives that make a job offer more enticing. The employer might offer perks — such as flexible work hours, generous paid leave, educational opportunities, child care, excellent health care benefits, or stock options — that would make a lower base salary worth it. Thanks to stock options, some 10,000 employees who joined Microsoft in its early years were millionaires by 2005.

Understand Who You’re Negotiating With

Understanding the hiring manager’s position and negotiating style will give you the upper hand and help you choose the right strategy.

According to the Black Swan Group, there are three types of negotiators, and each requires a different approach. This is valuable insight whether you’re negotiating your salary or trying to win a real-estate bidding war.

1. The Analyst

The analyst tends to be realistic and not stirred by emotional arguments. They base their decisions on data. With this type of negotiator, have plenty of salary comparisons to back up your desired salary.

2. The Accommodator

If the person you are negotiating with is friendly and talkative, they may be an accommodator. That means a good emotional argument may sway them. Present your data and comparisons, but also emphasize that your desired salary will ensure you are happy, engaged, and better equipped to do your job.

3. The Assertive Negotiator

This type of negotiator is a no-nonsense, get-to-the-point type of person. They view negotiating as a welcome challenge, so you’ll need to be on your toes. Your data, in this case, will be less effective, so the best approach is to state your demands confidently yet politely and be prepared to walk if they aren’t met. Be willing to revisit negotiations later if you do not succeed with the assertive negotiator the first time around.

Wait for a Job Offer to Negotiate Salary

It’s a good idea to delay salary negotiations until you have received a formal job offer. At that point, the employer has invested significant time in making sure you are the best candidate, so they’re more likely to acquiesce rather than risk losing you. You can put off the conversation by remaining non-committal about salary until the time comes.

Let the Hiring Manager Make an Initial Offer

Often, a company will either tell you their budgeted salary range or ask you for your desired range. In either case, it’s customary to let the hiring manager make the initial offer before you start to negotiate. This will give you some idea of what you are working with.

Make a case for why you deserve a salary on the higher end of their range. Perhaps you have substantial experience or other skills that are unique to you, in demand, and valuable to the company.

Disclose Your Previous Job’s Salary

Some experts recommend not disclosing your previous salary because companies use it to gauge your worth. However, disclosing your salary gives the hiring manager an idea of what salary you might be expecting. When you start negotiating, you can still make a case for a higher salary based on your research into comparable jobs and your expertise.

Include any benefits you received from your past employer, such as bonuses, stock options, and other perks.

Recommended: Fulfilling Jobs That Pay Well

Discuss Current Job Offers from Other Companies

If you are lucky enough to have multiple job offers, you are in a strong negotiating position. It’s wise to tell a hiring manager you have another offer because it will encourage them to offer you more money sooner. The fact that you are in demand is proof of your value, and the longer they negotiate with you, the greater the chance that you could accept a competitor’s offer.

Choose an Appropriate Time

The best time to negotiate your salary is once you’ve been offered the position and before you sign a contract. If you’re negotiating a pay raise with your current employer, your performance review is a good time to broach the subject.

It helps to discuss a potential pay raise months in advance. That way, you and your manager can agree on what you need to do to earn a pay raise and document it in your performance appraisal. Once you feel you have achieved those objectives, bring up the subject of a raise again and explain why you feel you deserve a raise.

Be Confident

The more confident you are when negotiating your salary or a pay raise, the more convincing you will be. Hold your head high and make your pitch clearly and without hesitation. Start the conversation off positively and explain why you think you deserve more compensation. Then, give the reasons why. Don’t rattle off a bunch of reasons, but present one or two data-backed arguments. For example:

“I’m really excited to work here, and I know I will bring value. I appreciate the offer at $63,000, but I was really expecting it to be in the $70,000 range based on the market and my past performance. Can we discuss a salary of $70,000?”

If all this has whetted your appetite for negotiation, don’t miss this advice on how to be a world-class haggler.

The Takeaway

Negotiating a salary does not have to be nerve-racking. If you have done your research and have identified a fair salary based on the market and your skills, be confident and do not accept anything less. The more demand there is for your skills, the more you can ask for in terms of salary.

Remember to consider other perks and benefits when negotiating. Extra time off or stock options may be more valuable to you than an additional few thousand dollars. The worst that can happen is that you decline an offer and move on to another employer who will pay you what you are worth.

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 are the five basic negotiating strategies?

The five negotiation styles are competition, collaboration, compromise, accommodation, and avoidance. Competitive negotiation uses hardball tactics regarding the other party’s needs, a collaborative style uses a win-win approach to meet the needs of both parties, and compromising seeks a middle ground that may result in neither party feeling fully satisfied. Accommodation is a style used when harm has been done to either party because it requires one party to “accommodate” or make repairs, and lastly, avoidance means avoiding negotiating entirely.

What are the best negotiation strategies and tactics to use when negotiating your salary?

The best negotiation tactics involve developing a convincing argument by researching the market rates for jobs similar to yours and considering the cost of living and the demand for your skills. Know the personality of the person you’ll negotiate with and choose a negotiation style that works for them. Next, pick the right time to negotiate and do so while being confident in the knowledge that you’re worth the salary you’re asking for.

What are the 4 Cs of negotiation?

The four Cs of negotiation are civility, competition, compromise, and compassion. When negotiating, civility means avoiding conflict by accepting that both sides have a legitimate point of view, while competition refers to acknowledging that each side wants to win. Compromise frames negotiation as a problem-solving strategy, and compassion calls for empathy and appreciation of the other side’s perspective — there must be a balance between competition and compassion in the negotiating process.

How much can you ask for when negotiating your salary?

When negotiating salary, employers generally stay within a certain range, with greater bargaining potential for higher-level positions. It’s important to research the average salaries in your field, adjust your expectations based on your experience and the cost of living in your location, and keep in mind other benefits of the compensation package, such as paid leave, health insurance, and stock options. Based on these factors, determine the minimum amount you’re willing to accept and whether you can work within the company’s budget.

When should you try negotiating your salary?

A good time to negotiate your salary as a job seeker is once you’ve been offered the position but haven’t signed the contract yet. If you’re hoping for a pay raise at your current company, you can negotiate during a performance review.

Photo credit: iStock/Inside Creative House

SoFi Coach offers users the ability to connect SoFi and external accounts using the Plaid service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from external companies as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent, SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without your needing to connect additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, nondelivery or failure to store any user data, the loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. Your credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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Gas prices hit new highs in 2022 before falling throughout 2024 and 2025. They then spiked in early 2026 but have been dropping and are expected to continue to fall in 2027., Keep reading to learn more about historical gas prices, get a sense of how things have changed over time, and learn tips for finding cheap gas in your area.

Why Gas Prices Are Falling in 2026

As anyone who’s gone to the pump in the past couple of years knows, filling up isn’t as cheap as it used to be. Although gas prices were steadily decreasing from the mid-2022 peak, they remained stubbornly higher than before the pandemic. In 2026, gas prices spiked, reaching a peak of $4.48 in May, largely due to the rising demand for gasoline and the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Over the past few months, amid optimism that the Strait of Hormuz would resume normal operations, prices have been dropping, but they remain around 26% higher than they were last year.

Thankfully for drivers, gas prices are expected to continue to fall as inventories rebuild. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), prices at the pump will average around $3.40 per gallon in quarter four of 2026, and the annual average price of gas is expected to drop even more — to $3.10 per gallon — in 2027.

If fill-ups are putting a dent in your wallet, consider using a money tracker to monitor spending and create budgets.

Average Price by State for Regular Unleaded in August 2026

Data is courtesy of AAA.

Average Price by State for Premium in August 2026

Data is courtesy of AAA.

Average Price by State for Diesel Gas in August 2026

Data is courtesy of AAA.

Average US Gas Price 1978 to 2025

Data is courtesy of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Tips for Finding Cheap Gas Stations in Your State

Here are a few ways to find the cheapest gas in the nearby area and save money on your gas bill:

•   Use an app such as GasBuddy to locate the lowest nearby price. The app lets drivers search by gas type, payment type, the brand of gas station, and other factors. The app also offers GasBack, which lets you earn free gas when shopping at certain brands, a paid subscription, and more.,,

•   Check the AAA gas price monitoring website, which gets updated every day. Drivers can search by state and county to find the best prices.

•   Look at the gas prices on Google Maps and Waze. When you search for gas stations within their maps, the price of gas at local stations will pop up. Although you can’t filter by price or automatically see the lowest price, it’s fairly easy to look around and find the cheapest option.

•   Use Upside to compare gas prices near you and earn cash back every time you fill up your tank.,

•   Get Costco or Sam’s Club membership to get discounts on gas as well as the ability to buy in bulk., It’s often the cheapest refilling option for club members.

•   Fill up on a day of the week that tends to have lower prices. Generally, Monday is the cheapest, followed by Sunday, while Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are the most expensive days.

Recommended: What Credit Score Is Needed to Buy a Car

The Takeaway

Gas prices go up and down in response to a variety of global and domestic factors. But there are a few ways to source the best deals on gas and stay within your budget, including apps and membership-only retailers.

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 was the price of gas in 1980?

In 1980, the average price of gas was $1.22. That is equivalent to $5.24 in 2026 dollars.

What year were gas prices the highest?

In June 2022, gas prices in the U.S. hit an all-time high of $4.93. The average gas price for 2022 was $4.19.

How much did gas cost in the 90s?

In the 1990s, gas cost between $1.12 and $1.29 per gallon. The average for the decade was $1.21, which is around $2.46 in today’s money.

What year were gas prices the lowest

Between 1978 and 2025, 1978 recorded the lowest gas prices, at $0.65 per gallon. That comes out to $3.47 in today’s prices.

When will the price of gas go down?

While gas prices spiked in early 2026, they have been going down and are expected to continue dropping in 2027. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, they will average around $3.40 per gallon in Q4 2026 and fall to about $3.10 per gallon the following year.

Photo credit: iStock/skodonnell

SoFi Coach offers users the ability to connect SoFi and external accounts using the Plaid service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from external companies as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent, SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without your needing to connect additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, nondelivery or failure to store any user data, the loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. Your credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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Many landlords will only consider prospective tenants with decent credit scores. However, some private landlords who are eager to fill empty rentals quickly may advertise no-credit-check apartments. In other cases, smaller family-owned buildings just don’t have the same documentation requirements as bigger complexes handled by property managers or brokers. Even if the building you’re interested in does require a credit check, there may be ways to get around it.

If you have bad credit or no credit, explore all the ways you can still rent an apartment.

Are There No-Credit-Check Apartments?

A handful of landlords will rent an apartment without a credit check. However, apartment hunters should approach advertised no-credit-check apartments with caution. The term can sometimes be code for “these units are problematic,” “this landlord is difficult,” or even “this is a scam.”

Sometimes, however, private landlords in smaller buildings just don’t see the need for credit checks. They don’t advertise this, but for rent by owner (or FRBO) listings can offer a clue.

Instead of pulling a credit report themselves, some landlords will accept a credit reference with the rental application. Credit reference documentation can be a recent credit report that the tenant provides (saving them from paying a fee), pay stubs and W-2s, or letters from previous landlords or lenders — basically, anything that shows your ability to pay the rent.

Recommended: Trying to Rent in a Tight Housing Market? 4 Steps to Win the Lease

Why Landlords Perform Credit Checks

Landlords perform credit checks for apartment rentals for the same basic reason that employers run credit checks for employment: to help determine whether a prospect is financially responsible.

Landlords want tenants who pay their rent on time. By checking an applicant’s credit report, a landlord can see how reliably the person pays their bills and manages their credit. If someone has a history of late payments or outstanding debts, a landlord may think twice before renting to them.

When landlords run a credit check, it will be a soft credit inquiry, which won’t affect your credit score.

How the Process of No-Credit-Check Apartments Works

Depending on the landlord, the application process for a no-credit-check apartment can be pretty standard or very casual. Landlords generally ask for the following as part of your application:

•   Proof of identity

•   Proof of employment, income, or financial stability

•   Vehicle information, if parking is provided

•   Personal references

•   Application fee

Typically, it takes one to three business days to process an application. Afterward, you’ll be given a lease to sign. At this time, you can negotiate the security deposit, move-in date, and any details such as minor repairs to be made. When you receive the keys, the place is yours.

Where to Find No-Credit-Check Apartments

You can find no-credit-check listings in print, online, or via signs on some buildings. No-credit-check apartments are usually not handled by a hired property manager or broker. Instead, they are managed by a private landlord (the building owner) who needs to have rent continually coming in to cover the costs on their property.

Some of these landlords are less particular about their prospective tenants. Others trust their instincts about people over credit and background checks. And others still, as noted above, just don’t want to deal with the hassle and fees associated with credit checks.

Tips for Renting an Apartment With No Credit

If you’re looking to rent an apartment (or house) but you have no credit or bad credit, here are some tried-and-true strategies.

Recommended: Should I Sell My House Now or Wait?

Be Honest

No one likes an unhappy surprise. If you haven’t established credit yet, say so. If you have credit problems, say so. Have a conversation with the landlord before you apply to gauge their flexibility and warn them of red flags in your credit history. Then, include a cover letter with your application repeating your explanations. Glowing reference letters also help offset a poor credit score.

Recommended: What Is a Tri-Merge Credit Report?

Get a Roommate

Finding a roommate with good credit can help make the deal go through. A landlord may accept using your roommate’s name alone on the lease (assuming the roommate is OK with taking full responsibility for rental payments). Or you may be able to put both of your names on the lease.

Look for Sublets and Shares

Sometimes, a leaseholder will sublet their apartment while they pursue opportunities elsewhere. This allows them to return to their former home in the event they want to move back. Rather than paying rent to the landlord, the subletter will often pay the leaseholder, so financial documentation may not be required. This is a common arrangement in big cities, especially among leaseholders of rent-stabilized apartments.

In share situations, roommates who are on the lease may sublet an extra room without requiring much, if any, documentation. As long as you make a good impression, they may give you a chance.

Find a Cosigner

A cosigner is someone who promises the landlord to cover your rent if you cannot pay. They’re usually a good friend or family member with great credit. Cosigners may or may not live in the apartment.

Pay a Higher Security Deposit

If you’re brainstorming how to rent an apartment with bad credit and no cosigner, consider laying some cash on the line. Whether you dip into savings or build up your reserves with an online budget planner, putting down several months’ rent as a security deposit can reassure the landlord.

Show Financial Proof

Perhaps you make a decent income that will make it easy to pay your rent, or you have saved up some money as a cushion. Share proof with the landlord in the form of pay stubs and bank statements.

Use Previous Landlords as References

If you’ve rented from other landlords and made those payments on time, bring a reference letter or two to prove it. Ideally, the reference should be on letterhead or at least look neat and professional. That might mean creating the letter yourself and having your previous landlord sign it.

Promote Yourself

Have superior presentation skills? You can use them to persuade your landlord what a great tenant you’ll make. Turn on the charm. Bring homemade baked goods. It just might work.

Build Your Credit History

If there’s somewhere you can stay for now, such as with a friend or family member, spend that time building your credit history. To build up poor credit, focus on paying bills on time and paying down credit card balances. During this time, it may help to sign up for free credit monitoring. What qualifies as credit monitoring varies by service, but look for one that offers alerts whenever your score changes.

When you have no credit, you can start to establish your history by becoming an authorized user on a credit card or putting a utility in your name. Just be aware that it may take six months or more for the system to generate your credit score. You may be able to check your credit score for free through your bank, credit card company, or credit counselor.

The credit score needed to rent an apartment varies by location and landlord. But according to FICO®, a credit score of at least 670 is usually enough to rent an apartment.

The Takeaway

If you haven’t yet established credit or have a problematic credit history, no-credit-check apartments are one option. However, there are many other ways to secure a rental, from finding a sublet or share situation to paying a higher security deposit. But beware of shady no-credit-check apartments: There’s no reason to settle for an unsafe or unhygienic environment just because of your credit score.

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 happens if you don’t have credit but want to rent an apartment?

Let the landlord know up front, and ask what you need to do to rent the apartment. Their suggestions may include getting a roommate or cosigner with good credit or putting down a larger security deposit. If you’ve rented in the past and made payments on time, ask your previous landlords for reference letters and build a case about why you’ll make a great tenant.

Can I rent an apartment with collections?

If you’re planning to rent a no-credit-check apartment, then the landlord won’t consider issues on your credit report. If your credit will be checked, talk to the landlord up front to see if renting with collections on your report is somehow possible.

What’s the minimum score to rent an apartment?

It’s up to the individual landlord. If a landlord requires a good credit score, FICO considers that to be in the range of 670-739.

I’m wondering how to pay rent with a credit card, no fee. What can I do?

If you’re renting right now, ask your landlord. If you’re seeking an apartment to rent, ask prospective landlords if this is possible. Each landlord has their own policy about credit cards.

How do I pass a rental credit check?

First, know what’s on your credit report, which you can check for free from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion®), and be prepared to answer questions about it. If you spot any errors on your report, make sure to dispute them to increase your chances of being approved for an apartment application.

Photo credit: iStock/StefaNikolic

SoFi Coach offers users the ability to connect SoFi and external accounts using the Plaid service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from external companies as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent, SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without your needing to connect additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, nondelivery or failure to store any user data, the loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. Your credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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