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Here's the Average Credit Score of 65-Year-Old Americans (How Do You Compare?)

Boomers score well above the national average.

By Chris Lewis, CEPF , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Nov. 3, 2026

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If you're 65, you probably have better credit than most Americans. Credit bureaus don't report averages by a single year of age. Experian does break scores down by generation, though, and at 65 you're right in the middle of the baby boomer group (ages 61 to 79).

Experian data from September 2025 showed baby boomers had an average FICO score of 747. That puts it in the "very good" range of 740 to 799 and well above the national average of 713. So here is where you stand financially, why scores tend to rise with age, and what could still pull yours down.

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How does your credit score compare at 65?

According to Experian, baby boomers were the only generation whose average credit score rose in 2025, moving up one point to 747. Gen Z and millennials saw the biggest declines, while Gen X and the silent generation were steady.

Generation	Average FICO score (2025)
Gen Z (18-28)	678
Millennials (29-44)	689
Generation X (45-60)	709
Baby boomers (61-79)	747
Silent generation (80+)	760
National average	713

If you score less than 747, it doesn't mean your credit necessarily needs work. The average is a description of a population, not a minimum standard. For instance, a 720 is still in the good range, and lenders consider other elements when assessing applications.

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Why credit scores tend to rise with age

The older you get, the more likely your credit score will be higher because:

Decades of payment history: Years of paying a mortgage, credit cards, and auto loans can build a long, positive track record.
Longer credit history: Opening accounts in the 1980s and 1990s can boost your average account age, which usually helps with boosting scores.
Lower debt: Many people in their 60s have paid down mortgages, reduced outstanding balances, or become more selective about borrowing. Lower credit card balances compared to available credit can also help scores.
Fewer new credit applications: If you're approaching retirement, you might apply for credit less often than younger consumers buying homes, financing vehicles, or getting their first credit cards.

Why your credit score still matters at 65

A strong credit score can still save you money in retirement. Here are several situations where it may matter:

Refinancing or borrowing against home equity: If you still have a mortgage, refinancing could reduce your monthly payment. You may also be able to get money for renovations or other large expenses through a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). Your credit score can impact approval and help you get a lower rate.
Buying a home after relocating: If you're moving closer to family or to a more affordable retirement destination, you may need to apply for a new mortgage. A strong credit profile can help you qualify for better rates.
Financing a vehicle: If you're replacing a vehicle, a higher score could mean lower financing costs.
Paying for insurance: In states where it's allowed, insurers can use credit-based insurance scores as one factor when pricing some policies.
Credit card interest: If you carry a balance, your score might affect the APR on any new card you open.

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What could drag your score down at this stage

Even a very good credit score can take a hit due to any of the following:

Closing old accounts

It can be tempting to close cards you no longer use in retirement to simplify your finances. However, closing a card reduces your available credit, which might increase your utilization rate. Provided that the card has no annual fee, keep it open for a small recurring bill on autopay.

A thin credit mix after loans are paid off

Paying off any form of debt is a huge win, but closing an installment loan could impact your credit mix, which makes up 10% of a FICO score. You don't need to take on new debt to maintain the credit mix, though.

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A utilization spike during a cash crunch

An unexpected medical bill, home repair, or other urgent expense can push a credit card balance close to its limit. That raises your credit utilization and can lower your score even if you make every payment on time.

A missed payment

Your payment history has a huge effect on your credit score. Even one missed payment can negatively impact your credit profile. Set up autopay if you easily forget bills.

Bottom line

To prepare yourself financially before you apply for a mortgage, HELOC, auto loan, or any other loan, you need to review your credit profile. Here's how you can check your score for free:

Check your score: Many credit card companies and lenders offer free credit scores to their customers. Check your account dashboard or statements to see where you stand.
Pull all three credit reports: Go to AnnualCreditReport.com, the federally authorized source for free reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Online reports are available free weekly.
Look for errors: Look for unfamiliar accounts, incorrect late payments, inaccurate balances, and signs of identity theft. Dispute errors with the appropriate credit bureau and the company that provided the information.

Checking your own credit report won't hurt your score. Also, remember that you have several credit scores. A lender might use a different scoring model or bureau than the one behind the score you see online.

FAQs

Does retiring affect your credit score?

Retirement itself doesn't directly affect your FICO score because employment status and income aren't scoring factors. However, changes in how you manage credit, such as carrying higher balances or missing payments, can affect it. Lenders may also consider your income when reviewing a credit application.

Is being an authorized user on my spouse's card enough to build credit?

It can help if the account appears on your credit report and is managed responsibly. However, recent FICO models give authorized-user accounts less weight than accounts you hold as the primary borrower. Having credit in your own name can help demonstrate that you manage it independently.

Does your credit score automatically increase with age?

No. Your age isn't included in your FICO score calculation. Older adults may have higher scores because they've built longer credit histories, made consistent on-time payments, and reduced outstanding balances.

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