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Here's the Average Credit Score of 75-Year-Old Americans (How Do You Compare?)

Check your score against your baby boomer peers.

By Chris Lewis, CEPF , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Nov. 11, 2026

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It's a myth that credit scores don't matter in late retirement. Yes, age 75 may be a time to simplify, but borrowing for a home, auto, or major repairs is still a possibility.

For that reason, knowing your score and how it compares to others your age may help you avoid financial mistakes. We'll share how the age group that includes 75-year-olds scores, what goes into a credit score, and practical ways to protect your own (no matter what age you happen to be).

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The average credit score for 75-year-olds

Experian's September 2025 data revealed that baby boomers, who were ages 61–79 in 2025, had an average FICO score of 747. The report doesn't provide a separate average for 75-year-olds, but it includes them in this broader age group.

Boomers' average score of 747 is much higher than the national average of 713. It isn't quite as high as the Silent Generation's average of 760, but both averages fall in FICO's "very good" range of 740–799.

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Why older Americans may have stronger credit

One of the big reasons retirees may have better scores is that they have more experience with credit. A FICO score rewards payment history, giving it 35% of the influence on a typical FICO score.

Long-established credit accounts also help, since FICO considers the age of the oldest account, the newest account, and the average age of all accounts. These length-of-history factors make up 15% of a FICO score.

In fact, some seniors may have had credit accounts for decades, using their on-time payment habits to establish strong credit roots. Compare this to a much younger consumer who is responsible with credit but who has only had an account for a few years.

Credit matters in older age

While you may not think of the 70s as a time for opening new credit accounts, there are some common life events that may require a good credit history. Applying for a HELOC, buying a home after downsizing, and financing a replacement vehicle are just a few examples.

A strong score is just one part of the application, with lenders also looking at retirement income and whether it's enough to cover payments. And in some states, auto insurers may use credit-based insurance scores to help price premiums. These differ from the credit scores lenders use, but a history of on-time payments can positively influence your policy rate.

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Close accounts with care

One temptation seniors face is to close accounts they no longer use. There's some logic behind this, as closed accounts are one less thing to manage in older age.

But closing a paid-off credit card reduces your available revolving credit, while balances on other cards remain. This can raise your credit utilization ratio, the percentage of available credit you're using, which is one factor in a credit score. Closing an older account doesn't immediately change the average account age used in FICO scores, since accounts closed in good standing can remain on your credit reports for up to 10 years.

Carefully consider whether the benefits of a closed account outweigh any possible drop in credit score.

Paying off loans can affect your credit mix

The credit mix measures whether you have both installment accounts (like a mortgage) and revolving credit accounts (like a credit card). Having experience with both types can improve your credit, as 10% of your FICO score comes from credit mix.

Seniors don't need a new loan just to keep variety, but if possible, learn what accounts you have and how closing one can affect credit. This factor is one of the least influential in a score, with on-time payments and utilization ratio being much more important in overall credit health.

One card can push utilization higher

You may only be using one credit card for daily or major spending, hoping that it's easier to manage with just that one payment to make each month. Or, you may like perks or cash-back offers. Whatever the reason, just know that bringing up the balance on a single card can show that card with a much higher utilization rate compared to its available limit.

Even if other cards aren't used, this can ding your credit score, at least until it's paid off again. Lower utilization generally helps; keeping it below 30% is a common guideline, but lower is usually better.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

Bottom line

Those aged 75 are included in the 61-79 baby boomer category, with this age bracket scoring a 747 on the FICO. This is higher than the national average but lower than their older counterparts in the Silent Generation.

What's more important than how you compare is that you keep an eye on your credit and its effect on your retirement plan as you age. You can review the account information on your credit reports by requesting a free weekly report from each of the three bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These reports don't include your credit scores, but Experian does offer limited score updates through the free version of its service.

FAQs

Does retiring or collecting Social Security lower my credit score?

No. Your age, employment status, and income are not factors in your FICO score. However, changes in how you manage credit after retirement, such as missing payments or carrying higher card balances, can affect your score.

Can I lose my credit score if I stop using credit?

It's possible. FICO generally requires at least one account to have been reported to a credit bureau within the past six months to calculate a score. Using an existing card for a small recurring expense and paying it in full each month can help keep your credit history active.

Should I freeze my credit if I don't plan to borrow?

A credit freeze can help prevent someone from opening fraudulent accounts in your name. Freezing and unfreezing your reports is free and does not affect your credit scores. Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion separately, and temporarily lift the necessary freeze when applying for credit. Continue monitoring existing accounts because a freeze does not prevent unauthorized charges on them.

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