A 723 credit score falls squarely into the category of good credit. According to data from Experian, the national average credit score for Americans is 715, placing it firmly in the good range. This score unlocks advantageous interest rates, better loan terms, and a wider selection of credit opportunities.
Lenders are generally inclined to approve those with a 723 credit score, interpreting it as a sign of consistent, on-time bill payments. This article delves into the significance of a 723 credit score in the context of loan and credit card applications and discusses actionable steps for elevating your score even further. By maintaining responsible credit habits, you can gradually improve your score, opening up even more financial opportunities.
What kind of credit score is 723?
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 723 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 723 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 723 credit score?
A 723 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 723 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 723 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 723 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 723 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 723, 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 723 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 723 credit score?
A credit score of 723 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 723 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 723, 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 723 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 723 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 723 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 723 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?
With a credit score of 723, you're beyond the poor credit category but still have a ways to go before you reach an exceptional score. There isn't a single strategy to boost your credit score, but there are specific actions you can take to improve your credit standing and make yourself more attractive to lenders.
First, let's review how credit scores are calculated. Credit scoring models consider the following five factors:
- Payment history - 35%
- Amount used - 30%
- Length of credit history - 15%
- Mix of credit types - 10%
- New inquiries - 10%
Your initial step towards improving your credit should be to check your credit report. You can obtain a free report annually from annualcreditreport.com. Review it for any errors or discrepancies, which may be simple mistakes to dispute with the issuing bureau or indicators of identity theft. Next, identify any negative habits affecting your score. Understanding these habits allows you to make necessary changes to boost your credit standing.
Now, here are some essential principles to follow to elevate your score even further:
Lowering Utilization Rates: Strive to use less than 30% of your credit limit, though below 10% is ideal. Consumers with scores over 800 often use under 6% of their available credit. To achieve lower utilization rates, consider paying down your debt, requesting increased credit limits, and fully paying off your balances each month. These actions can help keep your credit usage low and improve your score.
On-time Payments: Paying your bills on time every time is critical to maintaining a healthy credit score. The severity of a late payment's impact on your score depends on how late the payment is and how recent it is. The vast majority of individuals with scores over 800 have a perfect payment record. Set up reminders or automatic payments to ensure you never miss a due date.
Age of Credit: The longevity of your credit history plays a significant role in your credit score. Older accounts demonstrate your seasoned use of credit, making you more attractive to lenders. While this factor requires time to develop, it's noteworthy that top scorers typically have credit histories averaging over 10 years. Keeping old accounts open and active can help maintain a longer average credit age.
Avoid Closing Old Accounts: Closing older accounts can hurt your score by increasing your utilization rate and reducing the length of your credit history. Unless an account carries substantial fees, it's generally better to keep it open to benefit your credit score. If an old account has a high annual fee or other significant costs, consider transferring the balance to a no-fee card before closing it.
Judicious Credit Applications: Limit new credit applications to when absolutely necessary. Each hard inquiry can impact your score for up to a year and reduce the average age of your credit accounts. Plan your credit applications carefully and avoid multiple applications within a short period.
Varied Credit Portfolio: While it’s wise to avoid unnecessary debt, having a diverse array of credit accounts can enhance your score. This might include a mix of credit cards, installment loans, and a mortgage. A varied credit portfolio shows lenders that you can handle different types of credit responsibly.
Building a strong credit profile is a gradual process. At a 723 score, you're already demonstrating good credit management. By continuing these practices—lowering your utilization rate, making on-time payments, maintaining a lengthy credit history, avoiding closing old accounts, being cautious with new credit applications, and maintaining a varied credit portfolio—your score is likely to climb even higher. Each step you take not only improves your credit score but also enhances your overall financial health and stability.
Next steps for your 723 credit score
Having a credit score of 723 is an accomplishment worth celebrating, yet there's still room for improvement to unlock access to top-tier credit offerings. A 723 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.