Holding a credit score of 737 positions you comfortably within the range of good credit. According to Experian, the average American holds a credit score of 715, well within the good range. With a score of 737, you stand to benefit from improved interest rates, more appealing loan conditions, and a broader array of lending options.
Applicants boasting a score of 737 are typically seen favorably by lenders, as it suggests a reliable history of timely bill payments and responsible credit usage. This favorable perception can make it easier to secure loans and credit cards with better terms. In the following sections, we'll explore the implications of having a 737 credit score, the benefits it can bring, and effective strategies for enhancing your credit score even further.
What kind of credit score is 737?
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 737 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 737 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 737 credit score?
Yes, a 737 credit score places you in a strong position to be eligible for numerous credit card options. Issuers consider individuals with such scores to be financially dependable, enhancing your chances of approval for credit cards offering advantageous terms.
Credit cards can be broadly categorized based on the rewards and benefits they offer. Here are some of the most common types:
Cash Back Cards: Cash back credit cards reward you with a percentage of your spending returned as cash. These cards typically offer varying rates depending on the purchase category. For example, you might earn 1% cash back on all purchases, but 3% on groceries or 2% on gas. This system allows you to save money on everyday expenses. These cards are particularly beneficial if you prefer a straightforward reward system that effectively reduces your net spending, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their purchasing power.
Travel Rewards Cards: Travel rewards 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 travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and airport lounge access. They are ideal for frequent travelers who want to maximize their spending benefits for future trips. By using these cards for everyday purchases, you can accumulate points quickly and enjoy significant savings and enhanced travel experiences.
Balance Transfer Cards: Balance transfer cards allow you to transfer existing high-interest debt from one or more credit cards to a new card with a low or 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for a specified period, usually 12-18 months. These cards can help you save on interest and pay down debt faster. However, they often charge a balance transfer fee, typically 3-5% of the amount transferred. This fee can add up, so it's important to calculate whether the interest savings outweigh the cost of the transfer.
Brand-Specific Rewards Cards: Brand-specific rewards cards are designed to offer exclusive benefits and rewards for purchases made with a particular retailer or brand. These cards often provide higher reward rates for spending within the brand’s stores or online platforms, such as 5% cash back or bonus points on purchases. Additionally, they may offer perks like early access to sales, special financing options, and exclusive discounts. Brand-specific rewards cards are ideal for loyal customers who frequently shop with the brand, allowing them to maximize their savings and enjoy added benefits tailored to their shopping preferences.
While your 737 credit score makes you eligible for many of these cards, achieving a higher credit score can unlock access to even better credit card offers. Cards that demand very good to excellent credit often come with more generous rewards, superior perks, and higher credit limits. Therefore, while you explore your options, consider strategies to improve your credit score further, such as maintaining low credit card balances, making timely payments, and avoiding unnecessary credit inquiries. By doing so, you can enhance your credit profile and qualify for the most attractive credit card offers available.
Can I get a personal loan with a 737 credit score?
A credit score of 737 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 737 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 737, 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 737 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 737 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 737 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 737 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 737 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?
A 737 credit score places you comfortably outside the realm of poor credit, yet there's room for improvement. Achieving a flawless credit score involves no magic recipe; you just have to continue to show responsible credit behavior. It will take time. In fact, the majority of people with an 800 score have had accounts open for over a decade. So take heart, with a little effort and consistent behavior you too can get an exceptional score.
Before we go over some strategies to get to a perfect score, let's review how credit scores are calculated. Credit scoring models consider the following five factors:
- Payment history - 35%
- Credit utilization rate - 30%
- Length of credit history - 15%
- Mix of credit accounts - 10%
- New inquiries - 10%
Now, here are some principles to help you improve your score:
Reduce Credit Utilization: Aim to use a maximum of 30% of your credit limit, though aiming for 10% is preferable. Individuals with FICO scores above 800 typically utilize just 5.7% of their credit. To achieve this, reduce your debt, request higher credit limits, and pay off your balances in full. Maintaining low credit utilization demonstrates to lenders that you are not overly reliant on credit and can manage your finances effectively.
Timely Bill Payments: The cornerstone of building a solid credit score is paying bills on time, every time. The impact of a late payment varies by how late it is and how recently it occurred. Recent payments over 30 days late can significantly lower your score. Notably, 95% of consumers with FICO scores over 800 have never missed a bill payment. Setting up automatic payments or reminders can help ensure you never miss a due date.
Credit Length: The age of your credit accounts contributes to your score. A longer credit history offers a comprehensive view of your financial habits, giving lenders more to go on. Patience is key here, as the average consumer with an exceptional credit score boasts an account history of over a decade. Avoid closing old accounts to maintain the length of your credit history.
Keep Old Accounts Open: While closing old credit accounts might seem like a good idea, it can harm your score by increasing your utilization ratio and reducing the average age of your accounts. An exception exists for accounts with hefty fees. Keeping old accounts open helps to demonstrate a long and stable credit history.
Cautious Credit Applications: Apply for new credit only as needed since each application temporarily dings your score. Newly opened accounts also lower the overall age of your credit history. Be strategic about applying for new credit and only do so when it is necessary or part of a long-term plan to improve your credit mix.
Credit Diversification: Having a variety of credit types, including credit cards and personal loans, can positively affect your score. It shows lenders that you can handle different types of credit responsibly. However, only take on new debt when you need to, and ensure you can manage it effectively.
Regular Credit Monitoring: Regularly monitoring your credit report for inaccuracies can help you catch and dispute errors that might negatively impact your score. It can also help you detect identity theft. Get your credit reports once a year from annualcreditreport.com and see what you find. Ensuring your credit report is accurate is essential for maintaining and improving your credit score.
Credit building is a marathon, not a sprint. With your score already at 737, maintaining responsible financial habits will only further your progress. Consistently applying these principles will help you achieve and maintain an excellent credit score, unlocking superior financial offerings and ensuring greater financial stability.
Next steps for your 737 credit score
Having a credit score of 737 is an accomplishment worth celebrating, yet there's still room for improvement to unlock access to top-tier credit offerings. A 737 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.