Average FICO Expected at 715, Debt Risks Rise

The average FICO score edged down to 715 in 2026, while rising credit-card balances, higher utilization and concerns about missed payments suggest consumers are facing greater pressure despite generally stable scores. Nearly two in five surveyed working adults said they were somewhat or very likely to miss a minimum debt payment within six months. A strong credit score can improve borrowing terms but does not guarantee loan approval; lenders also consider income stability, existing debt obligations, employment history and, for home loans, the property’s legal status and value. Consumers do not need to carry a credit-card balance to build credit: using a card and paying the statement balance in full can establish payment history while avoiding unnecessary interest, though keeping reported utilization low remains important.