A credit score of 706 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 706 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 706 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 706?
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 706 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 706 credit score?
Absolutely, possessing a credit score of 706 significantly boosts your chances of qualifying for a diverse selection of credit cards. This score signals to credit card issuers that you're a financially stable applicant. You will likely be eligible for credit cards that offer appealing rewards such as cash rebates, travel points, or introductory offers of 0% APR.
Credit cards are broken down into various types. A few rewards cards you can choose from include:
Cash Back Cards: Cash back credit cards offer a percentage of your purchases back as cash rewards, making them ideal for everyday spending and providing significant savings over time. Typically, these cards offer higher rewards rates for specific categories such as groceries, gas, or dining. For example, a card might offer 3% cash back on groceries and 1% on all other purchases. This type of card is perfect for those who want to maximize their regular spending by earning rewards turning everyday purchases into savings or additional spending power.
Travel Cards: Travel credit 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 no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and access to airport lounges, enhancing the travel experience. Travel cards are particularly beneficial for frequent travelers who want to maximize their travel rewards and enjoy premium benefits. For instance, a travel card might offer 2x points on travel purchases and 1x points on other purchases, making it an excellent choice for those looking to make the most of their travel spending.
Balance Transfer Cards: Balance transfer credit cards allow you to transfer existing high-interest debt to a new card with a lower or 0% introductory APR for a specified period, typically ranging from 6 to 18 months. This can significantly reduce your interest payments and help you pay off debt faster. Balance transfer cards are ideal for individuals looking to consolidate debt and save on interest. However, it’s crucial to pay off the balance before the introductory period ends to avoid reverting to high interest rates, which can negate the benefits of the transfer.
Brand-Specific Rewards Cards: Brand-specific rewards cards offer perks and incentives tied to a particular brand or retailer. These cards provide benefits such as discounts, exclusive offers, and reward points that can be redeemed for brand-specific products or services. For example, a retail store card might offer 5% off all purchases made at the store, or a hotel-branded card might provide free nights or room upgrades. Brand-specific rewards cards are ideal for loyal customers who frequently shop or utilize services from a particular brand, allowing them to maximize their savings and enjoy special privileges.
With a credit score of 706, you have various credit card options to choose from. Each card type offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and financial goals. By selecting the right card and using it responsibly, you can maximize your rewards and take advantage of favorable terms to enhance your financial well-being.
Can I get a personal loan with a 706 credit score?
Possessing a credit score of 706 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 706. 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 706, 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 706 credit score with a grain of salt
There isn't a universally agreed-upon definition of good credit since lenders set their own benchmarks for acceptable credit scores and assign varying degrees of importance to them. Your credit score is just one aspect of your financial profile. Some creditors prefer to delve deeper into your financial circumstances, evaluating your employment situation, income, and any existing financial obligations.
Securing a 706 credit score marks a significant milestone, but it's essential to keep pushing forward. Your credit score is subject to change for better or worse based on your financial behavior. Therefore, it’s crucial to continue your responsible credit habits not only to maintain but potentially increase your score.
Continue what you're probably already doing. Always pay your bills on time, keep your credit card balances low, and avoid unnecessary debt. You can also check your credit report to make sure everything is well. By doing so, you can be eligible for even better financial products, such as loans with lower interest rates, higher credit limits, and more rewarding credit card options. While your score is good, you still have a ways to go to make it great. Consistent and responsible financial management can open doors to top-tier financial products and rewards in the future.
How can I make my good credit score great?
Sitting at a 706 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 706 credit score
A 706 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.