A 720 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 720 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 720 score as it shows that you generally pay your bills on time. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what a 720 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 720?
Lenders use your credit score to assess your risk as a borrower, determining how likely you are to repay what you owe. A good credit score, ranging from 670 to 739, signals to lenders that you are a lower-risk borrower likely to pay back what they lend. In fact, 21% of Americans fall into this credit score category. Most lenders will consider applicants with scores in this range for approval. You will likely receive lower interest rates and better terms compared to those with lower scores.
However, while a 720 credit score is considered good, it does not reach the very good or exceptional categories. With a score of 720, you will not qualify for the absolute best interest rates or the most favorable loan terms available. Although this score indicates relatively low risk and is far from bad, many individuals with a 720 credit score may have had late payments, defaults in the past, or a limited credit history. These factors can make lenders a bit more cautious compared to dealing with borrowers who have top-tier scores. Consequently, improving your credit score further can open up even more advantageous financial opportunities and better borrowing terms.
Can I get a credit card with a 720 credit score?
A 720 credit score puts you in a favorable position to qualify for a wide range of credit cards. Credit card issuers view applicants with this score as financially reliable, increasing the likelihood of approval for cards with better terms and various perks. Here are some types of credit cards you might qualify for with a 720 credit score:
1. Cash Back Cards: Cash back credit cards reward you with a percentage of your spending back in the form of cash rebates. Typically, these cards offer 1-2% cash back on most purchases, with higher percentages on specific categories such as groceries, gas, or dining. With a 720 credit score, you are eligible for many competitive cash back cards, enabling you to enjoy substantial savings over time. These cards not only provide a straightforward way to earn rewards on everyday expenses but also help in managing your finances more efficiently by offering tangible returns on your spending.
2. Travel Rewards Cards: Travel rewards credit cards allow you to earn points or miles that can be redeemed for travel-related expenses like flights, hotel stays, and car rentals. These cards often include additional perks such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees. With a 720 credit score, you qualify for several attractive travel rewards cards. However, the most premium cards, which offer extensive benefits, may still require a higher credit score. By using these cards wisely, you can enhance your travel experiences and save on travel costs.
3. Balance Transfer Cards: Balance transfer credit cards are designed to help you manage and pay down existing debt by offering low or 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for a specified period. This feature can save you significant amounts on interest if you have high-interest debt. With a 720 credit score, you are likely to qualify for balance transfer cards with favorable terms, making it easier to reduce your debt more efficiently. Utilizing these cards strategically can accelerate your journey to becoming debt-free while minimizing interest payments.
4. Low-Interest and 0% Intro APR Cards: These cards offer low ongoing interest rates or 0% introductory APR on purchases for a limited time, making them ideal for large purchases that you need a little longer to pay off. Be sure you can pay off the balance before the introductory period ends or you will likely be stuck with a much higher APR. With a good credit score of 720, you can secure access to these beneficial cards, aiding in more efficient financial management. By taking advantage of these offers, you can spread out the cost of major expenses while avoiding the burden of high interest, thereby maintaining better control over your budget and debt.
While a 720 credit score is solid and opens up many opportunities, it may not qualify you for the most exclusive credit card offers. Premium cards with lucrative rewards, higher cash back rates, and top-notch perks typically require very good to excellent credit, usually above 740. Nonetheless, maintaining and improving your credit score can eventually provide access to these top-tier credit options.
Can I get a personal loan with a 720 credit score?
A 720 credit score significantly improves your chances of being approved for personal loans with competitive interest rates and favorable terms. Lenders consider you a moderate-risk borrower, making it easier to secure loans for various purposes be it debt consolidation, unexpected expenses, or home improvement. While rates and terms vary by lender, your score puts you in a strong position to negotiate and shop around for the best deals.
Most personal loans are installment loans, meaning you repay the money you borrow over a set period of time. These loans are generally easier to manage since you don't have a lump sum of cash due at once. Most of the loans types we've listed are installment loans, but one is a lump-sum loan since it is only for small borrowing amounts.
Here are the main types of personal loans you might consider:
Secured Loans: Secured loans require collateral, such as a car, home, or other assets, to back the loan. Because they pose less risk to lenders, these loans typically offer lower interest rates and higher borrowing limits. They are suitable for borrowers looking to make significant purchases or investments. Having a 720 credit score generally makes the approval process smoother, as it demonstrates financial reliability. With secured loans, you can leverage your assets to obtain favorable loan terms, making it an effective option for substantial financial needs.
Unsecured Loans: Unsecured loans do not require collateral and are granted based on your creditworthiness. They are repaid in fixed monthly payments over a set period, making them ideal for debt consolidation, home improvement projects, or other major expenses. With a 720 credit score, you are likely to qualify for favorable terms and interest rates, though they may not be the lowest available. These loans offer flexibility and convenience for managing larger financial needs without risking your assets, making them a popular choice for many borrowers.
Payday Alternative Loans: Payday Alternative Loans (PALs) are small-dollar loans offered by federal credit unions as a safer and more affordable option compared to traditional payday loans. PALs typically range from $200 to $1,000 and have lower interest rates (no more than 28%) and fees, making them a more manageable solution for short-term financial needs. Borrowers must be credit union members for at least one month to qualify. With repayment terms of one to six months, PALs help borrowers avoid the debt traps often associated with payday loans, promoting financial stability and responsible borrowing.
Cash Advance Apps: Cash advance apps offer short-term loans to help cover expenses until your next paycheck. You simply link your bank account for easy access to the money. Some apps require access to your timesheet, while others may require direct deposit. In general, they do not require a credit check, nor do they charge interest. They do, however, charge fees or request tips. There may be a flat rate for an advance or a subscription fee. Many will charge a fast funding fee if you need the cash instantly. Otherwise, you can get your money in one to three business days for free. While these loans provide convenient access to quick cash, they can become costly if you tip too much or start to rely on them.
Now that you have an idea of the different types of loans available, let's go over where to find them.
Banks: Traditional banks offer a wide range of personal loans with various terms and rates, catering to different financial needs. Banks often have stricter lending criteria, but with a 720 credit score, you stand a good chance of being approved. They provide a reliable option for both secured and unsecured loans, offering the security and trustworthiness of established financial institutions. By choosing a traditional bank, you can benefit from personalized service and the peace of mind that comes with borrowing from a reputable source.
Credit Unions: Credit unions are member-owned financial institutions that often provide lower interest rates and more personalized service compared to traditional banks. They typically have more flexible lending criteria, making them an excellent option for individuals with a 720 credit score. Credit unions can be particularly beneficial for unsecured loans and small to medium-sized loan amounts, offering competitive terms and a more community-focused approach to banking. Their member-centric model ensures that borrowers receive attentive, customized service tailored to their financial needs.
Online Lenders: Online lenders provide a convenient and competitive alternative to traditional banks and credit unions, often featuring quicker approval processes and a diverse range of loan products. With a 720 credit score, you can access various online loan options with competitive rates and terms. However, it's crucial to research and select reputable lenders to avoid predatory practices. By choosing trustworthy online lenders, you can benefit from the efficiency and flexibility they offer, making it easier to secure the financing you need without the lengthy procedures of traditional banking institutions.
While your 720 credit score makes you a strong candidate for many loan options, not every lender will approve you. Some may require higher scores well into the 700s, especially for the best rates and terms. If denied, you can request an adverse action notice. Lenders are required to tell you why they rejected your application. The adverse action notice will tell you why and provide the credit information that they used to come to that decision. Knowing these details can help you continue improving your credit score and better prepare for future loan applications.
Take your 720 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 720 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?
Your 720 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 720 credit score
A 720 credit score is good and you should be proud of yourself, but there is still room for improvement before you can access the very best credit products. To reach the next level, take the time to thoroughly understand your credit score and regularly assess your credit reports for accuracy and areas of improvement. This proactive approach allows you to identify and address any issues that may be hindering your score.
To boost your score, focus on key factors like lowering your credit utilization, making timely payments, and maintaining a long credit history. Aim to use no more than 30% of your available credit, and ideally, keep it under 10%. Paying bills on time is crucial, as late payments can significantly damage your score. Additionally, avoid closing old accounts, as they contribute to your overall credit history length and available credit.
Achieving a very good (740-799) or excellent (800+) credit score will position you for loans with the lowest interest rates and access to premium credit cards offering top-tier rewards and benefits. By consistently practicing responsible financial habits and staying vigilant about your credit health, you can elevate your score and unlock the best financial opportunities available.
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.