Credit score tiers explained
Reviewed by the CompareMyCard editorial team · Last updated 14 August 2026
Using the common FICO scale (300 to 850), scores are generally grouped as: poor/bad (300-579), fair (580-669), good (670-739), very good (740-799), and excellent (800-850). Card issuers use these tiers, or their own internal versions of them, to decide which cards you're likely to qualify for.
A worked example
Someone with a 650 score (fair) will generally be approved for secured cards and some starter unsecured cards, but is unlikely to be approved for a premium travel card that typically requires good to excellent credit, even if they can afford the annual fee.
Why it matters when choosing a card
Applying for a card far outside your credit tier usually results in a denial and a hard inquiry on your report for nothing. Every guide on this site notes the credit score generally needed for each card, check that before applying rather than after.