A 712 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 712 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 712 score as it shows that you generally pay your bills on time. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what a 712 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 712?
Credit scores serve as a gauge for lenders to evaluate your risk level as a borrower. They essentially estimate your likelihood of repaying your loan or credit card bill. Scores ranging from 670 to 739 are considered good, indicating a high probability of meeting debt obligations and categorizing you as a low-risk borrower. Approximately 21% of Americans fall within this scoring bracket. With a score in this range, you meet the approval criteria for most lenders, positioning you favorably for loan and credit card approvals under more attractive interest rates and terms.
However, a 712 credit score, while deemed good, is not very good or exceptional. Holding a score at this level means you might miss out on the most competitive interest rates and loan conditions available. Despite being viewed as relatively low risk, a 712 score suggests you may have made financial missteps in the past, such as late payments or defaults, or it could reflect a shorter credit history. These factors contribute to lenders exercising more caution than they would with higher scores.
Can I get a credit card with a 712 credit score?
Certainly, having a credit score of 712 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 712 credit score?
A credit score of 712 greatly enhances your chances of getting a personal loan with competitive rates and agreeable terms. You're viewed by creditors as a borrower with moderate risk, making it easier to secure loans for debt consolidation, covering unforeseen costs, or funding home renovations. Although the specifics of rates and terms will differ across lenders, your credit score puts you in a good position to shop around and get a good deal.
There are a variety of types of personal loans. With your score falling in the good range, you are likely to qualify for them. Let's go over the most common choices:
Secured Loans: Secured loans require collateral, such as a car or savings account, which the lender can claim if you default on the loan. Because they pose less risk to the lender, secured loans often come with lower interest rates and more favorable terms compared to unsecured loans. They are a good option if you have valuable assets and want to benefit from lower interest rates. Additionally, secured loans can be easier to obtain for those with less-than-perfect credit, as the collateral provides the lender with added security.
Unsecured Loans: Unsecured loans do not require collateral, relying solely on your creditworthiness to determine your eligibility. While they typically have higher interest rates than secured loans, your 712 credit score should help you secure a loan with a reasonable rate. These loans are versatile and can be used for various purposes, such as debt consolidation, medical expenses, home improvements, or even vacation funding. Because they don’t require collateral, unsecured loans are an attractive option for borrowers who don’t have valuable assets to pledge or prefer not to risk their property.
Installment Loans: Installment loans provide you with a lump sum that you repay in fixed monthly payments over a predetermined period, usually ranging from one to seven years. This structure makes budgeting easier, as you know exactly what you owe each month. These loans are suitable for large expenses, such as home improvements, major purchases, or consolidating high-interest debt. The predictability of fixed payments helps you manage your finances more effectively, ensuring that you can plan for future expenses while steadily working towards paying off the loan.
Cash Advance Apps: Cash advance apps offer small, short-term loans, typically up to a few hundred dollars, to tide you over until your next paycheck. These apps usually charge a small fee or ask for a voluntary tip instead of traditional interest. There is no credit check and the money is typically deducted from your next paycheck. They are best used for minor, urgent expenses like unexpected bills or emergencies.
Now, we'll go over where to get personal loans:
Banks: Traditional banks offer a wide range of personal loans with competitive rates, especially if you have an existing relationship with the bank. They often require a thorough application process and credit check, but with a credit score of 712, you will typically be eligible for favorable terms. These loans can be used for various purposes, such as home improvements, debt consolidation, or major purchases. Additionally, banks may offer personalized service and financial advice, helping you find the best loan options tailored to your needs and financial situation.
Credit Unions: Credit unions are member-owned financial institutions that often provide more personalized service and lower interest rates on loans compared to traditional banks. Because they prioritize their members' needs, credit unions may offer more flexible lending criteria, making it easier for members to qualify for loans. This can be especially beneficial if you have a lower credit score or need more tailored financial solutions. As a member, you can take advantage of the community-focused approach and potentially better loan terms, enhancing your overall financial wellbeing.
Online Loan Marketplaces: Online loan marketplaces offer a convenient way to apply for personal loans, allowing you to compare multiple offers quickly. You submit one application online and they connect you with online lenders within their network. Many online lenders cater to borrowers with a wide range of credit scores. You compare potential offers and then apply for the loan that's the best deal for you. Most online lenders offer streamlined application processes, fast funding, and provide competitive rates and terms, making them an excellent choice for borrowers with a 712 credit score. The ease of access and quick approval times make online lenders a practical option for those seeking efficient and flexible loan solutions.
Peer-to-Peer Lending Platforms: These platforms connect borrowers directly with individual investors willing to fund loans, often offering competitive rates. They can be a good option if you have a strong credit score. The approval process is typically quick, and the terms can be quite favorable, as the peer-to-peer nature allows for more flexibility than traditional lending institutions. This can result in lower interest rates and more personalized loan terms, making peer-to-peer lending an attractive choice for those seeking efficient and cost-effective borrowing options.
A 712 credit score opens up various personal loan options. However, approval is not guaranteed. Should you be denied, you can ask for an adverse action notice. This notice explains the lender's decision and discloses the credit details that influenced their judgment. If your credit score is the hurdle, it's comforting to know that you're already on the trajectory toward improvement.
Take your 712 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 712 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?
Your 712 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 712 credit score
Having a credit score of 712 is an accomplishment worth celebrating, yet there's still room for improvement to unlock access to top-tier credit offerings. A 712 score demonstrates responsible financial behavior, but reaching higher tiers, such as very good (740-799) or excellent (800-850), can provide even greater benefits.
Start by familiarizing yourself with your credit score and carefully reviewing your credit reports for any inaccuracies. Regularly monitoring your reports can help you catch and dispute errors that might negatively impact your score.
Next, focus on strategies to elevate your score. Maintain low credit utilization by keeping your credit card balances well below your limits, ideally under 30%. Make timely payments a priority, as late payments can significantly harm your score. Also, aim to lengthen your credit history by keeping old accounts open and managing different types of credit responsibly.
Achieving a very good or excellent credit score will position you favorably for securing loans at the most competitive interest rates and obtaining credit cards that offer the best rewards. By adopting these strategies and maintaining responsible financial habits, you can improve your credit score, opening doors to superior financial opportunities and enhancing your financial health.
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.