Overview

• FICO’s new report shows the national average down two points year over year to 715, marking a second straight annual decline.
• Rising credit card utilization, which FICO says averaged 35.5% in 2025, and a spike in missed payments weighed on scores.
• Resumed reporting of student-loan delinquencies added negative marks to 6.1 million consumers’ files between February and April, lifting delinquency rates.
• Gen Z saw the largest average drop at three points and more 50‑point swings, reflecting greater volatility tied in part to heavier student-loan exposure.
• Scores vary widely by place, with South Burlington, Vt., leading cities and Detroit lowest, Minnesota highest among states and Mississippi lowest, and FICO plans to incorporate Buy Now, Pay Later data that could nudge scores up or down based on payment behavior.