How long does it take to build credit?

CreditWarren TeamPublished April 25, 2026

Quick answer

You need at least 6 months of credit history before FICO generates a score. Reaching a "good" score (670+) typically takes 12–18 months of on-time payments and reasonable utilization. "Excellent" (800+) takes 5+ years.

Timeline for building credit from no score to excellent.

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