A credit score of 747 is considered very good, placing you in an advantageous position to access some of the best financial products available. With this score, you are likely to qualify for the best personal loans and premium rewards credit cards on the market. While there's no such thing as guaranteed approval, having a score in the very good range certainly improves your chances significantly.
A very good credit score is well above the national average, indicating responsible credit management and financial reliability. However, it’s important to recognize that it’s not at the top yet. Understanding what your score means, learning how to maintain it, and taking steps to boost it even further can provide additional financial benefits.
What kind of credit score is 747?
Scores ranging from 740 to 799 are classified as very good, a status reached by 21% of the U.S. population. Holding a very good credit score positions you favorably in the eyes of most lenders, who see you as a low-risk borrower likely to make timely payments, maintain manageable debt levels, and navigate your finances wisely.
With a credit score of 747, lenders are confident in your ability to fulfill your borrowing obligations. Consequently, you stand a strong chance of being approved for loans with competitive interest rates, flexible terms, and credit cards that offer premium rewards. A very good credit score can also lead to better insurance rates, more lenient approval processes for renting apartments, and even potential employment opportunities.
While a 747 score is impressive, there is still room for improvement. Aiming for an exceptional score (800 or higher) can open even more financial doors, offering the best possible terms on loans and the most lucrative rewards on credit cards. Strategies to achieve this include maintaining a longer credit history, diversifying your credit mix, and continuing to demonstrate responsible credit behavior.
Getting a credit card with a 747 credit score
Holding a credit score of 747 puts you in a prime spot for securing credit cards with the most attractive offerings, including exceptional rewards, the lowest interest rates, and exclusive benefits. Credit card companies consider individuals with such scores to be highly attractive candidates, giving you the freedom to be discerning in your card selection to ensure it aligns with your financial needs and lifestyle.
There are a variety of rewards cards to suit just about anyone. Take a look at the types below:
Cash Back Cards: One popular category is cash back credit cards, which reward you with a percentage of your spending as cash. These cards are excellent for everyday purchases, often offering higher cash back rates for specific categories such as groceries, gas, or dining. Some cards provide a flat rate on all purchases, simplifying the rewards process by eliminating the need to track rotating categories. This makes it easy to accumulate rewards consistently, allowing cardholders to benefit from their regular spending habits without extra effort.
Points Cards: Points credit cards allow you to earn points for every dollar spent, which can then be redeemed for various rewards such as gift cards, merchandise, or travel. These cards are often more versatile than cash back cards, as points can be used for a wide range of rewards. Additionally, some points cards offer bonus points for spending in specific categories like dining or travel, enabling you to maximize your rewards. This flexibility and the potential for increased earnings make points credit cards an attractive option for many consumers.
Miles Cards: Miles credit cards are tailored for frequent travelers, awarding miles for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses. These cards often come with travel-specific perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and travel insurance, making them ideal for those who spend a lot of time in the air. Additionally, many miles credit cards offer bonus miles for purchases made with airlines or travel partners, further enhancing their value for avid travelers.
Co-Branded Cards: Co-branded credit cards are issued in partnership with specific brands or retailers, offering exclusive benefits and rewards for purchases made with the partner brand. Examples include airline and hotel credit cards, which provide perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, complimentary hotel stays, and elite status. These cards can be highly rewarding if you are loyal to a particular brand and frequently use their services. The tailored rewards and benefits can significantly enhance your experience and provide substantial savings on your preferred airline, hotel chain, or retailer.
Travel Cards: Travel credit cards are designed to offer benefits and rewards specifically for travel-related expenses. They often come with features such as no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and access to airport lounges. These cards can help you save money on international purchases and provide peace of mind with travel protection. Additionally, perks like airport lounge access can enhance your travel experience by offering a more comfortable and relaxing environment while you wait for your flight. These benefits make travel credit cards an excellent choice for frequent travelers.
Business Cards: Business rewards credit cards cater to the needs of business owners, providing rewards and benefits tailored to business expenses. These cards typically offer higher rewards rates for common business expenditures such as office supplies, advertising, and travel. Additionally, business credit cards often come with tools to help manage expenses and track spending, making them a valuable asset for any business. These features can streamline financial management, enhance budgeting accuracy, and maximize the value of your business expenditures, ultimately contributing to more efficient and effective business operations.
Balance Transfer Cards: If you're working to pay down debt, a balance transfer card featuring a 0% introductory APR might provide the financial relief you need. These cards allow you to transfer high-interest debt to a new card with no interest for a specified period, usually between 12 and 21 months. This can significantly reduce your interest payments and help you pay off your debt faster. By taking advantage of this interest-free period, you can focus on reducing the principal balance more effectively, ultimately saving money and becoming debt-free sooner.
With a credit score of 747, you have access to a wide array of rewards credit cards tailored to different spending habits and lifestyle preferences. By carefully considering your financial needs and goals, you can select the card that provides the most value and enhances your overall financial well-being.
Getting a personal loan with a 747 credit score
Obtaining a personal loan with a credit score of 747 is usually straightforward. The majority of lenders set their minimum requirement at or below 740, making it highly improbable that your application would be declined based on your credit score alone. With such a commendable score, lenders are likely to consider you an ideal borrower, presenting you with advantageous loan conditions and competitive interest rates.
With a very good credit score, you have a wide selection of loans and lenders at your disposal. Whether you need a loan to buy a house, finance a car, or consolidate debt, your credit score positions you to secure the best rates and terms available.
Personal Loans: Personal loans are versatile financial tools that can be used for a variety of purposes, including debt consolidation, home improvement, medical expenses, or other major purchases. With a 747 credit score, you are in an excellent position to secure a personal loan with favorable terms such as low interest rates and flexible repayment periods. Lenders view you as a low-risk borrower, which can result in higher loan approval amounts and more competitive rates. This strong credit score enhances your borrowing power, making personal loans an attractive option for financing various financial needs.
Debt Consolidation Loan: A debt consolidation loan can be a smart move for managing multiple high-interest debts. By combining various debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate, you simplify your monthly payments and potentially save money on interest. This approach can also improve your credit score by reducing your credit utilization ratio and showing a more manageable debt profile. However, it’s essential to maintain disciplined financial habits and avoid accruing new debt to maximize the benefits of a consolidation loan. Always compare offers to ensure you secure the best terms possible.
Secured Loans: Secured loans require collateral, such as a vehicle, home, or savings account, to back the loan. This collateral reduces the lender's risk, often resulting in lower interest rates and higher borrowing limits compared to unsecured loans. Common types of secured loans include auto loans, mortgages, and home equity loans. While they offer favorable terms, failure to repay can lead to the loss of the collateral. Therefore, it's crucial to borrow responsibly and ensure you can meet the repayment terms to avoid jeopardizing your assets. Secured loans can be a valuable financial tool when used wisely.
Business Loans: For entrepreneurs and business owners, a high credit score is essential when applying for business loans. These loans can be used to start a new business, expand operations, purchase inventory, or cover other business-related expenses. With a 747 credit score, you can access various types of business loans, including term loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing, often with lower interest rates and more attractive terms. Your strong credit score demonstrates to lenders that you have a history of managing debt responsibly, significantly increasing your chances of securing the necessary funding to support and grow your business.
Auto Loans: Auto loans are specifically designed to help you purchase a new or used vehicle. A high credit score of 747 can significantly lower the interest rate on an auto loan, making your monthly payments more affordable and reducing the total cost of the loan. Lenders are more willing to offer better terms to individuals with very good credit because they pose less risk of defaulting on the loan. This can result in savings over the life of the loan and make it easier to manage your finances while enjoying your new vehicle.
Mortgages: A 747 credit score is a major advantage when applying for a mortgage. It can qualify you for the best interest rates and terms available, whether you’re looking for a fixed-rate mortgage, an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), or a jumbo loan. Lower interest rates can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan, making homeownership more affordable. Additionally, a strong credit score can increase your negotiating power, giving you leverage to secure better deals on the purchase price and other terms, further enhancing your financial position.
Cash Advances: Cash advance apps provide a convenient way to access small amounts of money quickly without the stringent credit checks typical of traditional loans. These apps allow you to borrow against your next paycheck, helping cover unexpected expenses or urgent bills. While they offer speed and flexibility, it's important to use them judiciously due to potential fees and the risk of falling into a cycle of dependency. Always read the terms carefully and ensure you can repay the advance on time to avoid additional charges and financial strain.
Prequalifying and Comparing Offers: Prequalifying for a loan involves submitting basic information to a lender to get an estimate of the loan amount, interest rate, and terms you might qualify for. This process does not affect your credit score and allows you to compare offers from different lenders. With a 747 credit score, prequalifying can help you identify the best loan options available, ensuring you get the most favorable terms.
When comparing loan offers, consider the following factors:
- Interest Rates: Lower interest rates reduce the overall cost of the loan.
- Repayment Terms: Longer terms can lower monthly payments but may increase the total interest paid over the life of the loan.
- Fees: Be aware of origination fees, prepayment penalties, and other charges.
- Customer Service: Choose a lender with a reputation for good customer service and clear communication.
A 747 credit score opens up a wide range of loan opportunities with favorable terms and competitive interest rates. Whether you need a personal loan, business loan, auto loan, mortgage, or cash advance, your strong credit score positions you as an ideal borrower. Prequalifying and comparing offers can help you find the best loan to meet your financial needs and goals.
Take your 747 credit score with a grain of salt
Celebrating a 747 credit score is appropriate, yet it's essential to remain proactive in managing your credit. Since credit scores fluctuate, perpetually monitoring and adjusting your financial habits is key to keeping your score on the higher end or improving it. Periodically review your credit report, as any discrepancies or fraudulent activities can harm your score. Keep on top of your bills and usage so that your score stays high.
While having a very good credit score is advantageous, lenders consider various other aspects in their decisions, such as your income, job security, and debt burden. A 747 score does not guarantee loan approval, particularly if your debt-to-income ratio is high or you've made several new credit inquiries within a year. These factors can impact lenders' perceptions of your creditworthiness, sometimes outweighing the benefits of a high score.
Therefore, while it is important to take pride in your very good score, understanding its limitations is equally important. You need to maintain an overall healthy financial state to access the very best financial products. To do this, pay down your debt, have stable employment, and pay all your bills on time.
Staying informed and vigilant about your overall financial health will help ensure you continue to enjoy the benefits of a high credit score and make informed decisions about your credit and loans.
How can I get my score even higher?
A very good credit score is a significant achievement and generally qualifies you for the best credit products. However, to reach the elite category of credit scores—in the 800s—you need to continue practicing good financial habits and have patience, as time is a crucial factor in achieving the highest scores.
How Credit Scores Are Calculated
There are multiple credit scoring models, with FICO and VantageScore being the most popular. FICO, by the Fair Isaac Corporation, is used by 90% of lenders, so we'll focus more on its factors here. Luckily, the factors considered by both FICO and VantageScore are very similar. Therefore, if you have a very good score with one, you likely have a very good score with the other.
FICO scores are calculated using five factors, each with it's own weight:
- Payment History (35%): This is the most significant factor. Consistently paying your bills on time positively impacts your score, while late payments, collections, and bankruptcies can severely harm it.
- Credit Utilization (30%): This ratio measures how much of your available credit you are using. A lower utilization rate is better, as it shows you’re not overly reliant on credit.
- Length of Credit History (15%): The longer your credit accounts have been open, the more beneficial it is for your score. This factor includes the age of your oldest account, the age of your newest account, and the average age of all your accounts.
- Credit Mix (10%): Having a variety of credit types (credit cards, installment loans, mortgages) can positively affect your score.
- New Credit (10%): Opening several new credit accounts in a short period can indicate risk and lower your score temporarily.
Practical Tips to Boost Your Score
Check Your Report: Regularly reviewing your credit report is essential for maintaining a high credit score. It helps you spot and correct any errors or signs of fraudulent activity that could negatively impact your score. Make it a habit to check your report from all three major credit bureaus at least once a year to ensure accuracy and safeguard your financial health.
Set Up Autopay: Even with a high credit score, human error can lead to missed payments. Setting up autopay ensures you never miss a due date, maintaining your excellent payment history and preventing late fees. This simple step helps safeguard your credit score and ensures your financial management remains consistent and reliable.
Lower Your Utilization: If you currently use about 30% of your available credit, aim to reduce it to 10% or less. Lower utilization is viewed favorably by lenders and can significantly boost your credit score. Keeping your credit utilization low demonstrates responsible credit management and can enhance your financial profile.
Pay Bills Mid-Month: Paying your credit card bills mid-month, in addition to your regular due date, can help lower your credit utilization rate. By reducing your balance before the statement closes, you present a lower utilization ratio to the credit bureaus. This practice can positively impact your credit score, demonstrating better credit management and financial responsibility.
Keep Old Accounts Open: Closing old, unused accounts can decrease your available credit and increase your utilization rate. It also shortens the average age of your credit accounts, which can negatively impact your score. To maintain a healthy credit profile, keep these accounts open unless they have high fees, ensuring your credit utilization stays low and your credit history remains robust.
Apply for Credit Only When Needed: Multiple credit applications within a short time frame can be a red flag for lenders, indicating potential financial instability. To avoid negatively impacting your score, apply for new credit sparingly and only when necessary. This cautious approach helps maintain your credit score and ensures you appear as a low-risk borrower to potential lenders.
Let Your Credit Age: Time is a critical factor in achieving an excellent credit score. Consumers with scores of 800 or higher typically have had credit accounts for over 10 years. Be patient and allow your accounts to age, providing a long history of responsible credit use. This patience and consistency help demonstrate financial stability and reliability to lenders.
By adhering to these practices, you can potentially boost your credit score further. Maintaining good financial habits over time will not only help you reach the elite credit score range but also ensure long-term financial health. Consistency in responsible credit use, timely payments, and prudent financial management will significantly enhance your credit profile and financial stability.
Next Steps for your 747 credit score
By and large, with a 747 credit score, you're in a position to access the premier financial products available. This includes top-tier credit cards with superior rewards, low-interest personal loans, and competitive mortgage rates. To maintain this standing, continue upholding the beneficial financial practices you've established. However, if you aspire to breach the 800s and achieve an exceptional credit score, you'll need to adopt even more rigorous credit management strategies.
Achieving an exceptional score requires adherence to exemplary credit management. This includes making all payments on time, reducing your overall debt, and settling balances completely each month. Additionally, aim to lower your credit utilization ratio to under 10%, as this can significantly impact your score. Keeping old accounts open to lengthen your credit history and avoiding unnecessary credit inquiries are also crucial.
Exercising patience is vital in this process. Credit scores are partly influenced by the length of your credit history, so allowing your accounts to age naturally will contribute positively over time.
While reaching an 800+ score is entirely possible, it demands consistent, disciplined financial behavior and time. Stay diligent and proactive in monitoring your credit report for any inaccuracies or unauthorized activity. By continuing to manage your credit responsibly, you can maximize your score’s potential and achieve financial excellence.
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.