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Credit Scores for People in Their 30s and 40s—How Do You Measure Up?
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-25 11:31
Core Insights - Credit scores for individuals in their 30s and 40s are generally strong, with millennials averaging 691 and Gen Xers averaging 709, both falling within the "good" range for credit approval [1][2] - Age alone does not guarantee a high credit score; factors such as payment habits, available credit, and frequency of new account applications are crucial [1][6] Average Credit Scores by Age Group - Gen Z averages a credit score of 681, Baby Boomers average 745, and the Silent Generation averages 760, positioning millennials and Gen Xers in the middle of the spectrum [2] - The score gap between Gen Z and Baby Boomers is 64 points, while the gap between millennials and Gen X is 18 points, indicating a plateau in scores during the 30s and 40s [3] Lender Considerations - Lenders categorize borrowers using FICO score ranges, with "good" scores typically leading to approvals for credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages [4][5] - Achieving a "very good" or "exceptional" score can unlock competitive rates, potentially saving thousands over the life of loans [5] Credit Score Improvement Factors - Individuals in the "fair" or "poor" range may face higher interest rates and larger down payments, but improving to "good" can significantly reduce monthly payments [6] - By the age of 40, individuals usually have a longer credit history and better credit behavior, contributing to higher scores unless impacted by financial difficulties [7][8]