How Long Does It Take to Build a Good FICO Score From Scratch?

If you're just starting your credit journey, one of the first questions you'll likely ask is: “How long does it take to build a good FICO Score from scratch?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—but the good news is, with the right steps and a little patience, you can build a solid credit foundation in less time than you might think.

In this guide, we’ll break down how FICO credit scores work, how long it typically takes to build a good score, and what steps you can take to speed up the process.

What Is a FICO Score?

Your FICO Score is a three-digit number that lenders use to evaluate your creditworthiness. It's developed by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO), and it's one of the most commonly used credit scores in the United States.

The FICO score range goes from 300 to 850. Here’s a quick breakdown:

300–579: Poor

580–669: Fair

670–739: Good

740–799: Very Good

800–850: Exceptional

If you’re starting from scratch, your goal should be to reach at least the “Good” range (670 or higher), which shows lenders that you're responsible with credit.

How Long Does It Take to Get a FICO Score?

You won’t have a FICO credit score immediately after opening your first account. To generate a score, FICO requires:

At least one credit account open for six months or more

At least one account reported to the credit bureaus within the past six months

No indication that you're deceased (yes, this is a real part of the criteria)

So, if you’re brand new to credit, it generally takes about six months just to get your first FICO Score.

How Long to Build a Good FICO Score?

Once you have your first score, the journey to a “Good” or even “Very Good” FICO credit score usually takes 12 to 18 months—assuming you use credit responsibly.

Steps to Build a Good FICO Score from Scratch

Here’s how to kick-start your journey and build a solid score faster:

1. Open a Starter Credit Account

If you have no credit history, start with one of these:

Secured Credit Card – Requires a deposit, but it's easy to get approved.

Credit-Builder Loan – Offered by credit unions and online lenders.

Become an Authorized User – Ask a family member to add you to their card.

These options help you start reporting credit activity to the bureaus.

2. Pay On Time—Always 

Your payment history makes up 35% of your FICO Score. Even one missed payment can hurt you.

Set reminders or enable autopay to make sure your bills are always on time. This is the fastest way to build a good my FICO score.

3. Keep Balances Low

Credit utilization (how much you owe compared to your credit limit) makes up 30% of your score.

Try to keep your utilization below 30%, and ideally under 10%. For example, if you have a $1,000 limit, try not to carry a balance over $100.

4. Don’t Open Too Many Accounts at Once

Each application creates a “hard inquiry,” which can temporarily lower your score. Too many inquiries can signal risk to lenders.

Open new accounts only as needed and space them out by at least six months.

5. Monitor Your Credit Reports

Wondering how to get my credit report or how to know if it’s accurate? You’re entitled to 3 free credit reports per year—one from each of the major credit bureaus.

6. Learn How to Check Your Credit Score

Many credit card companies offer free access to your FICO Score. You can also check my FICO score directly.

Monitoring your score regularly keeps you motivated and helps you track improvement.

How to Maintain and Improve Your FICO Score Over Time

Once you build a good FICO credit score, the work isn’t done. You’ll need to maintain smart habits like:

Paying every bill on time

Keeping low balances

Avoiding unnecessary credit inquiries

Keeping old accounts open (they help your length of credit history)

Staying consistent is the key to moving from “Good” to “Very Good” and even “Exceptional.”

What If You Made a Mistake Early On?

Everyone makes mistakes. If you’ve missed a payment or maxed out a card, don’t panic.

While negative marks can stay on your report for up to seven years, their impact fades over time—especially if you start building positive habits now.

Final Thoughts: 

So, how long does it take to build a good FICO Score from scratch? Typically, you can reach the “Good” range in 12–18 months with disciplined habits. From there, your score can continue to grow for years.

The important thing is to start now. Whether you're opening your first secured card or just downloaded your 3 free credit reports, every step you take brings you closer to financial freedom.

Remember: Good credit doesn’t just help you get loans—it helps you get better rates, lower insurance premiums, and sometimes even better job opportunities.