What Credit Score Do You Start With?
Most people are surprised to learn there is no single “starting” credit score. You do not automatically begin with a number the day you turn 18 or open your first account. Your first credit score depends on when you start using credit and how quickly information gets reported to the credit bureaus.
In this article, you will see exactly how credit scores work, what affects your first credit score, and how to build a strong credit history from the start. Everything is explained in simple terms so you can take action right away without sorting through jargon.
Do You Start With a Credit Score at All?
You do not have a credit score until you open a credit account that gets reported to the credit bureaus. This could be a credit card, student loan, or other type of credit account. Until then, your credit file is considered “thin” or even nonexistent.
It is important to note the difference between having no credit score and having a low credit score. With no credit score, lenders have no data to evaluate your borrowing history. With a low credit score, negative information—like missed payments—has already been reported.
Factors That Determine Your First Credit Score
Several factors influence where your first credit score lands once your account activity is reported.
- Credit history length: Scoring models want to see how long you have managed credit accounts. A longer track record gives lenders more confidence in your borrowing habits.
- Types of accounts: Credit cards, installment loans, and other products all contribute differently to your credit profile. Having a mix early on can help shape your starting point.
- Payment history: On-time payments carry the most weight in credit scoring models. A single late payment early on can drag down your starting credit score significantly.
- Credit inquiries: Hard inquiries from new credit applications can temporarily lower your credit score, while soft inquiries for things like prequalification do not affect it.
What Credit Score Range Do Most People Start With?
Once you open a credit account and it gets reported to the credit bureaus, most people begin with a credit score somewhere between 500 and 700. Where you land depends on factors like payment history, credit utilization, and how soon you start building credit responsibly.
Here is a quick comparison table showing what the ranges mean for someone just starting out:
| Credit Score Range | Rating | What It Means for Beginners |
|---|---|---|
| 300–579 | Poor | May result from missed payments or high utilization early on |
| 580–669 | Fair | Common starting range with minimal credit history |
| 670–739 | Good | Possible if you start strong with on-time payments |
| 740–799 | Very Good | Unlikely as a starting score but achievable quickly with perfect habits |
| 800–850 | Excellent | Requires long history and flawless credit habits |
FICO vs. VantageScore: How Starting Scores Differ
Two major credit scoring models dominate the lending space: FICO and VantageScore. Both use similar scoring ranges, but they differ in how quickly they can generate your first credit score and how they weigh certain factors.
Here is a comparison of the basic requirements for each model:
| Feature | FICO Score | VantageScore |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Account Age | 6 months | 1 month |
| Number of Accounts | At least 1 | At least 1 |
| Scoring Range | 300–850 | 300–850 |
| Weight on Payment History | 35% | 40% |
FICO requires a longer credit history before generating a score, while VantageScore can produce one with as little as one month of data. This explains why some people see a VantageScore before they see a FICO Score.
How Long It Takes to Generate Your First Credit Score
Most people receive their first credit score within three to six months after opening a credit account. The timing depends on when the lender reports your information to the credit bureaus and which scoring model is used.
Here are a few common examples:
- Opening a credit card at age 18: You may see a VantageScore within a month or two, while a FICO Score may take six months.
- Getting a student loan: Payments often do not begin right away, so your credit history might take longer to build.
- Becoming an authorized user on someone else’s card: If the lender reports your information, you could have a credit score as soon as the account meets the model’s requirements.
Best Ways to Build Credit From the Start
Once you have your first credit account, the steps you take early on can set the tone for your entire credit history.
- Open a starter credit card: Secured credit cards and cards designed for beginners can help you establish credit safely.
- Pay on time, every time: Even one late payment can hurt your credit score significantly, especially when your history is short.
- Keep balances low: Credit utilization, or how much credit you use compared to your limit, is a major factor in scoring models. Staying below 30% is often recommended.
- Avoid too many applications: Each hard inquiry can lower your credit score slightly, so apply for new credit accounts only when needed.
Common Myths About Starting Credit Scores
When it comes to credit scores, there are plenty of misconceptions that can lead beginners in the wrong direction. Let’s clear up a few of the most common ones:
- Myth: Everyone starts at 300: Credit scores do not begin at a fixed number. You simply have no credit score until you have a credit account that gets reported to the credit bureaus.
- Myth: You need a loan to build credit: Credit cards, secured credit cards, and even being an authorized user on someone else’s account can help you establish credit. You do not need a loan to get started.
- Myth: Checking your own credit hurts your score: When you check your own credit report or credit score, it is considered a soft inquiry. This does not affect your credit score in any way.
Key Takeaways for Beginners
Here is a quick summary to help you remember the main points:
- Open a credit account: A credit card or another credit product starts the reporting process.
- Wait for reporting: Credit bureaus need data before they can calculate your credit score.
- Build with good habits: Pay on time, keep balances low, and avoid unnecessary applications.
- Monitor credit regularly: Free tools can help you track changes and spot errors early.
Final Thoughts
Starting your credit journey can feel overwhelming, but remember that everyone begins without a credit score. With on-time payments, low credit utilization, and regular monitoring, you can build a strong credit history faster than you might think.
Many free tools allow you to check your credit report and credit score regularly, so you can stay on top of your progress and correct any issues right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I get a credit card after turning 18?
Most credit card issuers allow you to apply as soon as you turn 18. Approval depends on factors like income and whether you have a co-signer. If you cannot qualify for a regular credit card, a secured credit card is often a good starting point.
Will becoming an authorized user always help my credit score?
Not always. The account needs to be reported to the credit bureaus, and the primary account holder must have good credit habits. If they miss payments or keep high balances, it could hurt your credit score instead of helping it.
How often do credit bureaus update credit scores?
Credit scores are updated whenever lenders report new information, typically every 30 to 45 days. This means changes in your credit behavior, like paying down balances, may take a month or two to reflect in your credit score.
Can rent payments help build my credit history?
Yes, but only if your landlord or a rent reporting service sends payment data to the credit bureaus. Many services now offer this option for a small fee, and it can help you build credit without taking on debt.
Do medical bills affect your first credit score?
Medical bills only affect your credit score if they become overdue and go to collections. Paying them on time usually does not show up on your credit report, but unpaid bills can hurt your credit history once reported.
