Here's the Average Credit Score of 90-Year-Old Americans (How Do You Compare?)

Credit scores declined for many Americans in 2025 as higher costs, economic uncertainty, and rising delinquencies make it harder to get ahead financially. But one generation largely bucked the trend.

According to Experian's latest national credit report, Americans ages 80 and older have the highest average FICO Score of any age group. Their scores not only remained well above the national average but also held steady while most younger generations lost ground.

That stability isn't accidental. Experts at Experian say it reflects decades of responsible credit use and several factors that naturally improve with age.

Americans over 80 have the highest average credit score

Experian groups Americans ages 80 and older into the Silent Generation.

As of September 2025, the group's average FICO Score was 760, unchanged from the previous year. That's the highest average score among all generations and places the typical octogenarian in the "very good" credit range.

They finished ahead by a long shot

The average credit score by age varies considerably across generations, and the latest data shows the biggest advantage belongs to the oldest Americans. No other age group came close to matching the Silent Generation's average score.

Experian found that baby boomers followed with an average FICO Score of 747. Generation X averaged 709, millennials averaged 689, and Generation Z came in last at 678.

While boomers gained one point during the year, millennials and Gen Z both experienced declines. Generation X and the Silent Generation were the only two groups whose scores didn't fall.

Lengthy credit history is advantageous

One reason older Americans tend to have stronger credit is simple: they've had much longer to build it.

Length of credit history is one of the factors used to calculate a FICO Score. Someone who has responsibly managed credit accounts for decades generally has an advantage over someone who only began borrowing recently. Even without opening new accounts, that history continues to strengthen over time.

Payment history matters most

The single biggest component of a FICO Score is payment history.

According to FICO's scoring model, payment history accounts for 35% of a person's score. Years of consistently paying mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, and other bills on time could build an exceptionally strong credit profile. Conversely, even one missed payment may leave a lasting mark.

Lower balances also help

The second-largest scoring factor is amounts owed, which makes up 30% of a FICO Score.

This doesn't simply measure how much debt someone has. It also considers how much available credit they're using, particularly on revolving accounts like credit cards. Lower credit utilization generally supports higher scores, while carrying large balances relative to credit limits could weigh them down.

Many older adults carry less debt

Experian notes that many baby boomers are more likely to have paid off their mortgages or owe relatively little on them.

Older consumers also may have fewer major purchases left to finance, such as vehicles or homes. Combined with lower overall borrowing needs, that often results in lower balances and healthier credit utilization.

Fewer new credit applications could help

Applying for new credit isn't necessarily bad, but it could temporarily affect a credit score.

Each new application may result in a hard inquiry, and opening new accounts could slightly reduce the average age of existing accounts. Older consumers who rarely apply for new credit may avoid those short-term score reductions.

The national average moved in the opposite direction

While older Americans maintained strong credit profiles, the country as a whole moved backward.

Experian reported that the national average FICO Score slipped from 715 to 713 in 2025. It marked the first annual decline in the national average since 2013, reflecting a more challenging financial environment for many households.

Younger generations faced more pressure

Experian found that millennials and Generation Z experienced the largest declines in average credit scores during 2025.

The company noted that younger consumers are generally more likely to carry student loan debt and have fewer financial assets to fall back on during periods of economic stress. Rising costs and changing repayment obligations intensify the pressure.

A 760 score opens more doors

A FICO Score of 760 typically places a borrower well into the "very good" credit category.

While every lender sets its own standards, borrowers with stronger credit scores generally qualify for more favorable loan terms, lower interest rates, and a broader selection of prime financial products.

Good credit is boring

The strongest credit scores rarely come from one smart decision alone.

Instead, they often reflect years of making payments on time, keeping debt manageable, avoiding unnecessary borrowing, and allowing credit accounts to age. Experian describes improving a credit score as "slow and boring," rather than magic, overnight fixes.

Bottom line

Of course, younger borrowers could build excellent credit too – but the oldest Americans illustrate that strong credit is often the product of decades of prioritizing financial fitness rather than any single strategy.

While we are able to admire high FICO marks, it's important not to confuse a high credit score with financial security. A 760 score reflects decades of long credit history and on-time payments (often including significant credit card interest), not necessarily a large retirement account, frugal spending habits, or a comfortable income.

If anything, the 760 average highlights the American paradox. It's possible to live on a tight budget, unable to fully afford adequate medical care, groceries, and housing, and still have excellent credit.

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