What credit score do you start with?

A common misconception is that you might have a starting credit score of either 0 or 300 (the lowest in the credit score range). The truth is, you don’t start with any credit score at all, because, without a credit card or loans in your name, no credit reports are generated since you have no credit history. A score of 300 is usually indicative of bad credit management and not that you are new to credit.

When you get your first credit report depends on the credit scoring model. VantageScore® may appear as soon as information about your first credit account is in your credit report.

A FICO® score is calculated after you have had the account for at least six months and not before. Your first credit score could range anywhere below 500 to even 700. Your credit history accounts for 15% of your credit score, so the age of your credit account is not the biggest factor negatively affecting your score. As in most cases, paying your bills on time, and maintaining good credit behavior in general, helps build good credit.