Credit Scores for People in Their 30s and 40s—How Do You Measure Up?

Key Takeaways

Millennials average a 691 FICO score—though that's solidly in the "good" range, there's room for improvement.
By your 40s, you've likely earned a higher score due to a longer credit history and more mature credit behavior—unless you've weathered difficult financial situations that have tested your spending (and your score).

If you're in your 30s or 40s, your credit score is hitting its stride. Millennials (ages 28–43) average 691 and Gen Xers (ages 44–59) average 709. Both are in the "good" range that typically gets you approved for credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages.

But age alone doesn't guarantee a strong score. Your payment habits, available credit, and how often you apply for new accounts still drive the numbers lenders see.

Average Credit Scores by Age Group

So how do your 30s and 40s compare to other generations? According to Experian, Gen Z (ages 18–27) averages 681, while Baby Boomers (ages 60–78) average 745, and the Silent Generation (79+) sits at 760. That puts millennials and Gen Xers squarely in the middle—past the early credit-building years but not yet enjoying the score boost that comes with decades of on-time payments and paid-off mortgages.

The gap between Gen Z and boomers is 64 points. The gap between millennials and Gen X is 18. In other words, your 30s and 40s are when scores tend to plateau before the next big jump, making this the time to lock in habits that push you into "very good" territory before your 50s.

What Lenders Consider a “Good” Score

Most lenders use FICO score ranges to sort borrowers.

If you're in the "good" range—where most millennials and Gen Xers land—you'll typically get approved for credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages. But climbing into "very good" or "exceptional" unlocks the most competitive rates, which can save you thousands over the life of a mortgage or auto loan. In some states, your credit score also affects insurance premiums.

Being in the “fair” or “poor” range doesn’t mean you’re stuck. But lenders may require larger down payments or charge significantly higher interest rates. Moving from “fair” to “good” can meaningfully lower your monthly payments on big-ticket purchases.

Tip

Age helps because it lets your accounts mature, but strong habits can outperform averages at any point. And missed payments or high balances can drag you down no matter how old you are.

Why Scores Tend to Improve in Your 30s and 40s

By your 40s, you've typically built a longer track record of on-time payments. That's a good thing, since payment history accounts for 35% of your FICO score. (It's the single biggest factor.)

Many people also have higher incomes as they get older, which can help you pay down your debts and limit how much you pile on your credit cards.

Maybe you've been able to refinance your high‑interest loans or consolidate your balances.

That said, life can still throw you curveballs. Divorce, medical bills, and job losses can trigger missed payments or cause your balances to spike. Also, if you have kids, you’re likely leaning harder on credit. You might be increasing your borrowing, which can pull your score down.

How To Tell if You’re on Track

In general, it’s better to ask whether your financial habits are headed in the right direction, rather than obsessing over your credit score. Have you paid every bill on time for the past year? Are your credit card balances under 30% of their limits—ideally closer to 10%? (People with exceptional scores–800 and up—average just 7% utilization, according to Experian.)

Also try to maintain a healthy credit mix: an older account or two, a few credit cards, and perhaps a mortgage or auto loan. You don’t need to collect accounts—just avoid constantly opening new ones. If you only apply for credit when you genuinely need it and your score inches up each year, you’re right on track.

Protecting and Improving Your Credit Score

It’s wise to automate at least the minimum payment on every account—even one missed payment can do serious damage to your score. Then funnel extra cash toward your highest interest rate balances while keeping your overall utilization under 30% across all of your cards.

Avoid closing your oldest credit cards unless there is a serious fee problem, because the age of the credit helps you over time. Avoid opening new accounts right before a major purchase like a mortgage or car loan. Each application triggers a hard inquiry that can temporarily ding your score. Also, check your credit reports at least once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com to catch errors or signs of identity theft early.