A 699 credit score is considered good and places you right in the middle of the credit score spectrum. According to Experian, the average credit score among Americans is 715, which also falls squarely in the good camp. A credit score of 699 opens up numerous financial opportunities, including access to better interest rates, more favorable loan terms, and a wider range of borrowing options.
Most lenders will approve an applicant with a 699 score as it shows that you generally pay your bills on time. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what a 699 credit score means when it comes to applying for loans and credit cards and the steps you can take to bring your score to the next level.
What kind of credit score is 699?
Lenders rely on your credit score to measure the level of risk associated with lending to you. Scores essentially indicate how likely it is that you’ll repay your debts. A good credit score, defined as anything between 670 and 739, signals to lenders that you're a reliable debtor, making you a less risky proposition. 21% of Americans fall into this category, making it a common benchmark for lender approval. Having a score in this range boosts your chances of getting approved for loans and credit cards with lower interest rates and more appealing terms.
Yet, it's important to note that a 699 credit score, while classified as good, doesn't qualify as very good or excellent. This means that the most premium interest rates and loan conditions are still just beyond reach. A score at this level is considered to carry a moderate risk, not because it's poor, but because it might suggest a past of financial hiccups like late payments or defaults or perhaps a relatively brief credit history. As a result, lenders might be slightly more reserved in their offerings than if you had a higher credit score. As you improve your score and move closer to the very good or excellent categories, you'll unlock even better financial opportunities and more favorable loan conditions.
Can I get a credit card with a 699 credit score?
Certainly, having a credit score of 699 opens up a plethora of credit card options for you. With this score, credit card companies see you as a trustworthy borrower. This increases your likelihood of securing cards that come with more favorable conditions and enticing benefits, including cash back, travel incentives, or zero-interest introductory periods.
Here are some types of credit cards you can consider:
Cash Back Cards: Cash back credit cards reward you with a percentage of your spending back as cash. Typically, they offer 1-2% cash back on general purchases and higher percentages on specific categories like groceries, gas, or dining. For instance, a card might offer 3% cash back on dining and 1% on everything else. These cards are ideal for those seeking straightforward rewards that can be easily redeemed for statement credits, checks, or direct deposits into your bank account, making them a convenient and flexible choice for maximizing everyday spending.
Travel Cards: Travel credit cards provide rewards in the form of points or miles that can be redeemed for travel-related expenses, such as flights, hotel stays, and car rentals. They often come with additional perks like travel insurance, airport lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees. For example, a travel card might offer two miles per dollar spent on travel and dining and one mile per dollar on all other purchases. These cards are perfect for frequent travelers looking to maximize their travel experiences and save on costs, making travel more affordable and enjoyable.
Balance Transfer Cards: Balance transfer credit cards are designed to help you manage existing debt by offering a low or 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for a certain period, typically 12 to 18 months. This significantly reduces the interest you pay on your debt, allowing you to pay it off more quickly. These cards are an excellent choice if you have high-interest debt and need time to pay it down without accumulating additional interest, providing a financial breather and a structured path to becoming debt-free.
Brand-Specific Rewards Cards: Brand-specific rewards cards offer perks and incentives tailored to a particular brand, retailer, or service provider. These cards typically provide higher rewards rates for purchases made directly with the brand and may include benefits such as exclusive discounts, early access to sales, or special financing options. For example, a retail store credit card might offer 5% back on store purchases and 1% on other transactions. Brand-specific rewards cards are ideal for loyal customers who frequently shop with a particular brand, allowing them to maximize their savings and enjoy exclusive benefits.
With a good credit score, you will have your choice of cards, including rewards cards. That said, the most premium credit card deals, featuring the richest rewards and the highest level of perks, necessitate having a credit score in the very good to excellent range. Use your credit card responsibly and you'll be able to raise your credit rating and reach those top-tier cards.
Can I get a personal loan with a 699 credit score?
Possessing a credit score of 699 markedly increases your odds of securing personal loans with low interest rates and favorable terms. Lenders perceive you as a moderate-risk borrower, making it much more likely that they’ll approve your loan no matter the reason you need it. Your credit score enables you to effectively compare offers and negotiate with various lenders to secure the best loan available.
Here’s a breakdown of different types of personal loans:
Secured Loans: Secured loans require you to put up collateral, such as a vehicle, savings account, or property, to back the loan. Because the lender has a claim on your collateral, these loans typically offer lower interest rates and higher borrowing limits. They are ideal for individuals who need larger sums of money or have a lower credit score but can provide valuable assets as security. Secured loans are commonly available through traditional banks and credit unions, offering a practical solution for those seeking to leverage their assets for better loan terms.
Installment Loans: Installment loans are repaid over a predetermined period with fixed monthly payments, providing stability and predictability for budgeting. These versatile loans can be used for various purposes, such as debt consolidation, home improvements, or large purchases. The fixed payment schedule makes them a popular choice for those seeking financial clarity and control. Installment loans are available from banks, credit unions, and online lenders, offering borrowers multiple options to find terms that best suit their financial needs and goals.
Cash Advance Apps: Cash advance apps offer small, short-term loans against your next paycheck, providing a convenient way to access funds quickly in emergencies. These apps typically charge minimal fees and require repayment within a short period, usually by your next payday. While cash advance apps are useful for immediate, short-term financial needs, the borrowing limits are relatively low compared to other loan types. This makes them ideal for covering unexpected expenses or bridging financial gaps between paychecks without incurring high interest rates or lengthy repayment terms.
Once you select the loan you want, check out various financial institutions to get the best offer:
Banks: Traditional banks offer a wide range of personal loans, both secured and unsecured, catering to various financial needs. Banks usually provide competitive interest rates and more substantial loan amounts, especially for customers with good credit scores. However, the application process can be more rigorous, requiring detailed documentation and a thorough credit check. Despite this, banks remain a reliable source for personal loans due to their established reputation and comprehensive range of financial products, making them a preferred choice for many borrowers seeking stability and trustworthiness.
Credit Unions: Credit unions are member-owned financial institutions that typically offer lower interest rates and personalized services. They are an excellent option for personal loans, especially for members who benefit from lower fees and more flexible terms. Credit unions tend to be more community-focused and may have more lenient lending criteria compared to traditional banks. This community-oriented approach often results in a more personalized and understanding lending process, making credit unions a favored choice for borrowers seeking both favorable terms and supportive customer service.
Online Lenders: Online lenders provide a fast and convenient way to obtain personal loans, offering a variety of loan types, including unsecured loans that do not require collateral. They often use alternative data to assess creditworthiness, making them a viable option for individuals with good but not excellent credit scores. The application process with online lenders is typically quick and can be completed entirely online, providing a hassle-free borrowing experience. This ease of access and speed makes online lenders an attractive option for those seeking efficient and flexible financial solutions.
Try to prequalify with at least three lenders before you officially apply. Prequalifying does not affect your credit score, as the lender will only do a soft pull and basic check of your financial information. It allows you to see what offers you may qualify for and compare loan amounts, terms, interest rates, and fees to ensure you get the best deal. Online loan marketplaces make it easy to prequalify as you fill out one application and then are matched with potential lenders willing to work with your credit profile.
It's worth noting, though, that not all financial institutions will extend credit to you, as some look for applicants with scores significantly above 699. If you’re denied, you can ask for an adverse action notice. Lenders are obligated to provide the reasons behind their decision and share the credit information they used. Should your credit score be an impediment, rest assured that you're already on your way to boosting it.
With a credit score of 699, you have access to a wide array of personal loan options. Whether you need a secured loan, an installment loan, or a quick cash advance, your good credit score enhances your borrowing opportunities. It’s essential to compare terms and conditions from various lenders—banks, credit unions, and online lenders—to find the best fit for your financial needs and goals. If your credit score prevents you from accessing certain loans, remember that you’re already well on your way to improving it, and with responsible financial behavior, you can reach even higher credit tiers in the future.
Take your 699 credit score with a grain of salt
The concept of what constitutes good credit is not set in stone, as different lenders have their own criteria for what credit scores they deem satisfactory, and the importance they place on these scores varies widely. A credit score is just one factor among many in the lending decision process. Some financiers opt to consider a broader view of your financial health, considering aspects like employment, income levels, and outstanding debts. This comprehensive approach allows lenders to assess your overall financial stability and your ability to repay loans.
Achieving a 699 credit score is commendable, yet it's crucial to avoid resting on your laurels. Credit scores are dynamic and influenced by your ongoing financial behavior and choices. Regularly making on-time payments, maintaining low credit card balances, and avoiding new debt can help sustain and improve your score. Additionally, periodically reviewing your credit report for inaccuracies and promptly addressing any issues can safeguard your credit health.
Striving to elevate your credit score beyond 699 can unlock superior financial offerings. Higher credit scores can lead to lower interest rates, better loan terms, and access to premium credit cards with more attractive rewards and benefits. By continuing to manage your finances responsibly, you can achieve greater financial flexibility and security, ensuring that you are well-positioned to take advantage of the best opportunities available.
How can I make my good credit score great?
Your 699 credit score is commendable and places you well above the threshold of poor credit. However, there's still room for improvement to reach higher tiers of creditworthiness. While there's no exact formula for achieving a perfect credit score, you can take several steps to continue raising your score and becoming a more attractive credit risk for lenders.
First of all, let's go over how credit scores are calculated. The credit scoring models take into account the following five factors:
- Payment history - 35%
- Credit utilization - 30%
- Length of credit history - 15%
- Credit mix - 10%
- New inquiries - 10%
Your first step towards even better credit should be to check your credit report. You can get your credit report once a year for free from annualcreditreport.com. Look it over for errors or discrepancies. These can be simple mistakes you should dispute with the issuing bureau or signs of identity theft. Next, see what you're doing wrong. Knowing what habits you have that are keeping your score down lets you know what you need to change.
Now, here are some essential principles to implement to bring your score to even greater heights:
Lower your utilization: Aim to use only 30% of your available credit, and even better, keep it below 10%. Credit utilization significantly impacts your credit score. The average consumer with a FICO score of 800 uses only 5.7% of their available credit. To lower your utilization, pay down existing debts, consider increasing your credit limits, and always pay your bills in full. The less credit you use, the better, but it's also crucial to keep your cards active to show responsible usage.
Pay your bills on time: Timely bill payment is the most critical factor in building and maintaining a high credit score. The impact of a late payment on your score depends on how late the payment is and how recently it was missed. An impressive 95% of consumers with FICO scores of 800+ have never missed a payment. Consistently paying your bills on time will demonstrate your reliability to lenders.
Let your credit age: The length of your credit history matters significantly. A longer credit history indicates more credit experience and provides lenders with more data on your financial behavior. There's not much you can do to speed up this process except to wait. Consumers with FICO scores of 800+ have an average account age of 10.5 years. Patience and consistent use of credit over time will benefit your score.
Don’t close old accounts: While it might be tempting to close old accounts, doing so can decrease your available credit, increase your credit utilization ratio, and shorten your credit history length. However, if an account has high fees, it may be worth closing. Generally, keeping old accounts open helps maintain a favorable credit utilization rate and a longer credit history.
Apply for new credit sparingly: Only apply for new credit when absolutely necessary. Each application results in a hard inquiry, which can negatively impact your credit score for about a year. Additionally, newly opened accounts lower the average age of your credit history. Limiting new credit applications helps maintain a stable and strong credit profile.
Diversify your credit mix: A diverse credit mix, including both credit cards and installment loans, can positively impact your credit score. However, you should only take on new debt if you need it. Demonstrating responsible management of various credit types shows lenders your ability to handle different forms of credit.
Building credit takes time, but you're already halfway there. By consistently following these principles and maintaining responsible financial behavior, your credit score will continue to rise. Remember, improving your credit is a gradual process, but with patience and diligence, you can achieve an excellent credit score and unlock even better financial opportunities.
Next steps for your 699 credit score
A 699 credit score marks a solid foundation and is something to be proud of, yet you can do better. Yes, you can get rewards credit cards and low interest loans with a good score, but premier financial products are reserved for consumers with very good or excellent credit.
A score in the top range is not out of reach. Take the time to accurately gauge your score and scrutinize your credit reports. This process will help you identify any errors or areas that need improvement. Then, work on improving your score by adopting responsible credit habits such as minimizing credit utilization, making timely bill payments, and maintaining a mix of credit types.
Achieving a status of very good or excellent credit will qualify you for loans with minimal interest rates and credit cards that come with exceptional rewards. These benefits can save you money and provide additional perks like cash back, travel points, and access to exclusive services. Moreover, a higher credit score can increase your negotiating power with lenders, allowing you to secure more favorable terms on mortgages, auto loans, and other financial products. By focusing on these strategies and consistently monitoring your credit, you can elevate your score and unlock even better 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.