credit scores declining again

Design Highlights

  • The national average FICO Score has dropped to 713, indicating a slight decline in credit health across the country.
  • A score of 714 places you just above the national average, reflecting relatively good credit status.
  • Regional disparities show Missouri and Georgia with much lower averages, around 654 and 653, respectively.
  • Younger individuals, particularly those in their 20s, average only 662, struggling with financial challenges like student loans.
  • Economic conditions and rising delinquency rates are contributing factors to the overall decline in credit scores.

Average credit scores are a wild ride these days. If you think yours is safe at 714, think again. The landscape is shifting, and not in a good way. At the end of 2025, the national average FICO Score dipped to 713, losing ground for the first time since 2013. Ouch. That’s a subtle but painful reminder that the financial world is unpredictable, and it doesn’t care about your plans.

The VantageScore 3.0 was sitting pretty at 705 as of March 2024, but even that’s not a solid guarantee anymore. With 71% of Americans still managing to hold good credit scores (670+), there’s a silver lining somewhere. But let’s face it, things are getting shakier.

States like Missouri and Georgia are seeing their credit scores plummet, with averages of just 654 and 653, respectively. A decrease of over 1%? No thanks. That’s not a trend anyone wants to be a part of.

The age-old adage of “older is wiser” rings true here. People in their 50s are averaging 706. Meanwhile, the 20-somethings are chilling at a mere 662. Hey, they’re young! They’ve got time. Still, that’s not a great starting point. The burden of student loan debt increases as payments rise following the termination of the SAVE program, further complicating the financial landscape for younger consumers. As many are realizing, understanding their credit scores can be a game changer in managing their financial health.

And don’t get too comfortable; the Federal Reserve is not feeling optimistic about the job market in 2026. If you thought student loan payments were just a nuisance, think again. Their resumption is dragging down national averages, and with delinquency rates creeping back up, it’s not a pretty picture.

State variations are another headache. Alaska, once a beacon of hope with an average of 720, has seen a decline. California and Colorado are also down, just like those hopes of an easy financial future.

Meanwhile, Florida is hanging on at 704—barely squeaking by. These dips are like tiny paper cuts; annoying and adding up over time. For those facing financial hardships that impact their coverage options, qualifying life events like job loss can trigger a Special Enrollment Period, offering a critical window to adjust health insurance plans outside the standard open enrollment season.

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