A credit score of 673 is considered good credit, comfortably positioned in the middle of the credit spectrum. According to Experian, the average credit score in America is 715, which also falls into the good credit category. This score indicates that you’ll likely receive competitive interest rates, advantageous loan agreements, and a broader range of credit options.
Individuals with a credit score of 673 are often met with approval from lenders, as this score reflects a habit of punctual bill payments and responsible credit usage. In this article, we will delve deeper into what having a 673 credit score means for your loan and credit card application prospects. Additionally, we will provide practical advice on how to enhance your credit standing further, ensuring even better financial opportunities in the future.
What kind of credit score is 673?
Your credit score is the main way lenders determine how much of a risk you pose as a borrower or in simpler terms, your reliability in repaying loans. A score between 670 and 739 falls into the good category, signaling to lenders that you are a dependable borrower, which translates to low risk. 21% of Americans have a score in this range. A good score is typically sufficient for securing approval from most lending institutions. If your score lies within this spectrum, expect to be considered for loans and credit cards with more favorable interest rates and terms.
A credit score of 673, while solid, is not categorized as very good or exceptional. With a score of 673, you are seen as a relatively safe bet by lenders, but the most advantageous interest rates and loan terms are likely still out of reach. This score level indicates that while you are generally reliable, there may be a history of occasional late payments, defaults, or a limited credit history. Consequently, lenders may be more cautious when evaluating your application compared to those with higher credit scores. Maintaining or improving your credit score can open doors to better financial opportunities and more favorable loan conditions.
Can I get a credit card with a 673 credit score?
Yes, a 673 credit score places you in a strong position to be eligible for numerous credit card options. Issuers consider individuals with such scores to be financially dependable, enhancing your chances of approval for credit cards offering advantageous terms.
Credit cards can be broadly categorized based on the rewards and benefits they offer. Here are some of the most common types:
Cash Back Cards: Cash back credit cards reward you with a percentage of your spending returned as cash. These cards typically offer varying rates depending on the purchase category. For example, you might earn 1% cash back on all purchases, but 3% on groceries or 2% on gas. This system allows you to save money on everyday expenses. These cards are particularly beneficial if you prefer a straightforward reward system that effectively reduces your net spending, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their purchasing power.
Travel Rewards Cards: Travel rewards cards offer points or miles that can be redeemed for travel-related expenses such as flights, hotels, and car rentals. These cards often come with additional perks like travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and airport lounge access. They are ideal for frequent travelers who want to maximize their spending benefits for future trips. By using these cards for everyday purchases, you can accumulate points quickly and enjoy significant savings and enhanced travel experiences.
Balance Transfer Cards: Balance transfer cards allow you to transfer existing high-interest debt from one or more credit cards to a new card with a low or 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for a specified period, usually 12-18 months. These cards can help you save on interest and pay down debt faster. However, they often charge a balance transfer fee, typically 3-5% of the amount transferred. This fee can add up, so it's important to calculate whether the interest savings outweigh the cost of the transfer.
Brand-Specific Rewards Cards: Brand-specific rewards cards are designed to offer exclusive benefits and rewards for purchases made with a particular retailer or brand. These cards often provide higher reward rates for spending within the brand’s stores or online platforms, such as 5% cash back or bonus points on purchases. Additionally, they may offer perks like early access to sales, special financing options, and exclusive discounts. Brand-specific rewards cards are ideal for loyal customers who frequently shop with the brand, allowing them to maximize their savings and enjoy added benefits tailored to their shopping preferences.
While your 673 credit score makes you eligible for many of these cards, achieving a higher credit score can unlock access to even better credit card offers. Cards that demand very good to excellent credit often come with more generous rewards, superior perks, and higher credit limits. Therefore, while you explore your options, consider strategies to improve your credit score further, such as maintaining low credit card balances, making timely payments, and avoiding unnecessary credit inquiries. By doing so, you can enhance your credit profile and qualify for the most attractive credit card offers available.
Can I get a personal loan with a 673 credit score?
A 673 credit score boosts your likelihood of qualifying for personal loans with attractive interest rates and beneficial terms. This score categorizes you as a moderate-risk borrower in the eyes of lenders, thus simplifying the loan acquisition process. Individual lenders will offer varying rates and terms but your score affords you the leverage to explore and negotiate for the best possible deals. Always compare offers to make sure you get the best one for you.
Here are the different types of personal loans and where you can get them:
Types of Personal Loans
Secured Loans: Secured loans require collateral, such as a car or a house, to back the loan. Because the lender can claim your collateral if you default, these loans often come with lower interest rates compared to unsecured loans. They are suitable for individuals who have valuable assets and are seeking lower rates or larger loan amounts. This type of loan provides lenders with added security, making it easier for borrowers with substantial assets to access favorable terms and higher loan amounts.
Installment Loans: Installment loans are repaid over a set period in fixed monthly payments, making them ideal for large expenses like home renovations or consolidating high-interest debt. They offer the stability of a predictable payment schedule, simplifying budgeting and financial planning. Borrowers know exactly how much they must pay each month, reducing financial uncertainty. This predictability makes installment loans a practical choice for managing significant financial commitments while maintaining control over monthly expenses.
Cash Advance Apps: Cash advance apps allow you to borrow small amounts of money against your next paycheck, making them a convenient short-term solution for emergency expenses. These apps typically offer smaller amounts of up to $500 without requiring a credit check, providing quick access to funds when needed most. You simply link your bank account to the app and it will determine how much you can borrow. Some apps require direct deposit or to see your timesheet as well. The fees are usually minimal but can add up. There is typically a flat fee per advance, subscription fee, or optional tip. Most apps also charge a fast funding fee in case you need the cash instantly. While cash advance apps can be helpful in urgent situations, relying on them frequently is not a good idea.
Where to Get Personal Loans
Banks: Traditional banks offer personal loans with competitive interest rates, especially for those with good credit scores like 673. They provide both secured and unsecured loan options, catering to various financial needs. While banks typically offer favorable terms for qualified borrowers, they often have stricter qualification criteria and longer approval processes compared to other lenders. This thorough vetting process ensures that borrowers meet their standards, which can result in more favorable loan conditions and added financial security for both the lender and the borrower.
Credit Unions: Credit unions are member-owned financial institutions that often offer lower interest rates and more personalized service than banks. They are typically more flexible with their lending criteria, making them a favorable option for individuals with a 673 credit score. Additionally, credit unions frequently provide educational resources and financial counseling to help members manage their finances effectively. This member-centric approach, combined with competitive rates and supportive services, makes credit unions a valuable resource for those seeking financial products and guidance.
Online Lenders: Online lenders provide a quick and convenient way to apply for personal loans, often featuring a streamlined application process and faster approval times. Catering to a wide range of credit profiles, they offer competitive rates and terms that can rival traditional lenders. These platforms often utilize innovative underwriting methods to assess creditworthiness, considering factors beyond just your credit score. This approach allows more individuals to qualify for loans, making online lenders an accessible and efficient option for securing personal financing.
Understanding Loan Rejection and Improvement
Not all lenders may be willing to extend a loan to you, as some have strict criteria, preferring scores significantly higher within the 673 spectrum. If you’re rejected, you're entitled to request an adverse action notice, which compels lenders to provide the reasons for denial and the credit data used in their decision-making process. This information can be crucial in understanding and addressing the specific factors affecting your creditworthiness.
If your score is the issue, take comfort in knowing that you're already making strides towards enhancing it. By consistently paying your bills on time, reducing your debt levels, and monitoring your credit report for errors, you can gradually improve your credit score. Engaging in responsible credit practices will not only enhance your ability to secure loans but also ensure better financial health in the long run.
A 673 credit score opens up numerous possibilities for obtaining personal loans with favorable terms. Understanding the different types of loans and where to obtain them can help you make informed financial decisions and take advantage of the opportunities your credit score affords you.
Take your 673 credit score with a grain of salt
There is no universal definition of good credit, as lenders have varying score requirements and criteria. What one lender considers acceptable may differ from another, and the weight they assign to your credit score can vary. While your credit score is a significant factor, it's only one piece of the puzzle. Many lenders look beyond the score to assess your overall financial picture, including job status, income, and existing debts.
Achieving a 673 credit score is commendable, reflecting a solid financial foundation. However, it's crucial not to become complacent. Credit scores fluctuate based on your financial activities and decisions. For instance, late payments, high credit utilization, or new credit inquiries can negatively impact your score. Therefore, it's essential to continue practicing good financial habits, such as paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, and avoiding unnecessary credit inquiries.
Aiming to improve your credit score even further can open doors to more favorable financial products, including lower interest rates on loans and premium credit cards with better rewards. Regularly monitoring your credit report for errors and staying informed about your credit standing can help you maintain and improve your score. Remember, a higher credit score not only enhances your borrowing power but also signifies financial stability to potential lenders.
How can I make my good credit score great?
Sitting at a 673 credit score puts you comfortably in the good category, yet there's more ground to cover before you achieve an exceptional score. While there isn't a magic formula, certain proactive measures can boost your score further, enhancing your appeal to lenders.
Credit scores are determined by weighing the following five factors:
- Payment history - 35%
- Credit usage - 30%
- Length of credit history - 15%
- Mix of credit - 10%
- New inquiries - 10%
Take a look at your credit report. You can get a free report annually from annualcreditreport.com. Carefully review it for any errors or discrepancies, which might be simple mistakes to dispute with the issuing bureau or signs of identity theft. Next, identify any negative habits impacting your score. Recognizing these habits enables you to make the necessary changes to enhance your credit standing.
Now that you have a better idea of where you stand, consider adopting these strategies:
Minimize Credit Utilization: Aim to use no more than 30% of your total credit line; aiming for 10% is even better. Individuals with FICO scores above 800 tend to utilize just 5.7% of their available credit. Work on reducing your debt, request an increase in your credit limits, and strive to settle your bills in full each month. Minimal credit usage is key. This strategy demonstrates to lenders that you are not overly reliant on credit and can manage your available credit responsibly.
Timely Bill Payments: Paying your bills on time is fundamental to credit building. The impact of a late payment varies, but recent payments over 30 days late can significantly drag down your score. Remarkably, 95% of those with FICO scores over 800 have never missed a due date. Consistently making timely payments ensures that your credit history reflects reliability and financial responsibility, which is critical to maintaining and improving your score.
Age Your Credit: The longevity of your credit accounts contributes positively to your score. A more extended credit history offers lenders a comprehensive view of your credit management skills. Patience is essential here, as the only strategy is to let time pass. The typical consumer with a FICO score above 800 boasts an average account age of 10.5 years. To benefit from this factor, keep your oldest accounts open and active.
Keep Old Accounts Open: Although it might be tempting to close old accounts, doing so can harm your credit. Closing old accounts increases your utilization ratio and reduces the average age of your credit. The exception to this rule is if your account has hefty fees. Keeping old accounts open helps to maintain a favorable credit utilization rate and a longer credit history, both of which positively impact your credit score.
Selective Credit Applications: Only apply for new credit when absolutely necessary. Each application involves a hard inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score. It should bounce back within a few months to a year. Additionally, new accounts can lower the overall age of your credit history. Being selective about applying for new credit prevents unnecessary hard inquiries and maintains the average age of your credit accounts.
Credit Mix: Lenders like to see that you can handle different types of credit, namely credit cards and loans. While it’s beneficial to have a mix of credit, only borrow when you need to. A diverse credit mix, including installment loans and revolving credit accounts, can enhance your credit score by demonstrating your ability to manage various types of credit responsibly.
Credit building is a marathon, not a sprint. By continuing with your responsible financial habits, you're on the right path to seeing your credit score climb even higher. Consistently minimizing credit utilization, making timely payments, maintaining the age of your credit, and being selective with new credit applications will help you move closer to an exceptional credit score. Keep old accounts open when possible and diversify your credit mix responsibly. With patience and persistence, you can achieve an even higher credit score, opening doors to better financial opportunities.
Next steps for your 673 credit score
Achieving a 673 credit score is commendable and reflects well on your financial habits, but you can still do more to improve your financial standing. A higher score will open doors to the finest financial products available, including loans and credit cards with the lowest interest rates and most attractive rewards. To start, thoroughly understand your current score by examining your credit reports for any areas that need improvement.
Begin by lowering your credit utilization rate. Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit, and ideally below 10%. Paying down balances and requesting higher credit limits can help achieve this. On-time payments are crucial, as they heavily influence your credit score. Set up automatic payments or reminders to ensure you never miss a due date.
Another factor is the age of your credit accounts. Avoid closing old accounts unless they carry significant fees, as their longevity positively impacts your score. Be cautious with new credit applications; too many hard inquiries can temporarily lower your score.
Lastly, maintain a varied credit portfolio, including different types of credit accounts, to show lenders you can manage various financial responsibilities. By consistently applying these strategies, you can elevate your score into the very good or excellent range, significantly enhancing your financial opportunities.
This content is general in nature and is provided for informational purposes only. MoneyFor is not a financial advisor and does not offer financial planning services. This content may contain references to products and services offered through MoneyFor marketplace.