Why does having a good credit score matter to you?

Asked by: Carrie Eichmann  |  Last update: February 9, 2022
Score: 4.4/5 (63 votes)

A higher score means you're less of a risk, and are more likely get the product or service — or pay less for it. Here's how it works: Lenders pull information from your credit report, like your bill-paying history, how long you've had your accounts, outstanding debt, and collection actions.

Why having a good credit score is important?

If you have a good credit score, you'll almost always qualify for the best interest rates, and you'll pay lower finance charges on credit card balances and loans. The less you pay in interest, the sooner you'll pay off the debt, and the more money you'll have for other expenses.

How does having a good credit score affect you?

Having a good credit score is important because your credit can impact many areas of your life. Good credit can make it easier to qualify for loans and credit cards, allowing you to finance large purchases with low interest rates or get a premium rewards credit card with benefits.

What are 3 benefits of having good credit?

What Are the Benefits of a Good Credit Score?
  • Get Better Rates on Car Insurance. ...
  • Save on Other Types of Insurance. ...
  • Qualify for Lower Credit Card Interest. ...
  • Get Approved for Higher Credit Limits. ...
  • Have More Housing Options. ...
  • Get Utility Services More Easily. ...
  • Get a Cell Phone Without Prepaying or Making a Security Deposit.

How does a poor credit score affect you?

A poor credit history can have wider-ranging consequences than you might think. Not only will a spotty credit report lead to higher interest rates and fewer loan options; it can also make it harder to find housing and acquire certain services. In some cases it can count against you in a job hunt.

True Benefits Of Having A Good Credit Score

15 related questions found

Is 700 a good credit score?

For a score with a range between 300 and 850, a credit score of 700 or above is generally considered good. A score of 800 or above on the same range is considered to be excellent. Most consumers have credit scores that fall between 600 and 750.

Is a credit score of 800 good?

Your 800 FICO® Score falls in the range of scores, from 800 to 850, that is categorized as Exceptional. Your FICO® Score is well above the average credit score, and you are likely to receive easy approvals when applying for new credit. 21% of all consumers have FICO® Scores in the Exceptional range.

Is 714 a good credit score for buying a house?

A 714 credit score is considered a good credit score by many lenders. “Good” score range identified based on 2021 Credit Karma data. With good credit scores, you might be more likely to qualify for mortgages and auto loans with lower interest rates and better terms.

Can I buy a car with 726 credit score?

A 726 FICO® Score is considered “Good”. Mortgage, auto, and personal loans are relatively easy to get with a 726 Credit Score. Lenders like to do business with borrowers that have Good credit because it's less risky.

Can I buy a house with 717 credit score?

A 717 credit score is a good credit score. The good-credit range includes scores of 700 to 749, while an excellent credit score is 750 to 850, and people with scores this high are in a good position to qualify for the best possible mortgages, auto loans and credit cards, among other things.

Is a 900 credit score good?

A credit score of 900 is either not possible or not very relevant. ... On the standard 300-850 range used by FICO and VantageScore, a credit score of 800+ is considered “perfect.” That's because higher scores won't really save you any money.

What is a perfect credit score?

A perfect credit score of 850 is hard to get, but an excellent credit score is more achievable. If you want to get the best credit cards, mortgages and competitive loan rates — which can save you money over time — excellent credit can help you qualify. “Excellent” is the highest tier of credit scores you can have.

Is 670 a good FICO score?

A FICO® Score of 670 falls within a span of scores, from 670 to 739, that are categorized as Good. ... 21% of U.S. consumers' FICO® Scores are in the Good range. Approximately 9% of consumers with Good FICO® Scores are likely to become seriously delinquent in the future.

How good is an 850 credit score?

Your 850 FICO® Score is nearly perfect and will be seen as a sign of near-flawless credit management. ... An Exceptional credit score can mean opportunities to refinance older loans at more attractive interest, and excellent odds of approval for premium credit cards, auto loans and mortgages.

Is 735 a good credit score to buy a house?

A 735 credit score is considered a good credit score by many lenders. “Good” score range identified based on 2021 Credit Karma data. With good credit scores, you might be more likely to qualify for mortgages and auto loans with lower interest rates and better terms.

Does anyone have a 850 credit score?

The truth is, Americans with a perfect 850 FICO® Score do exist. In fact, 1.2% of all FICO® Scores in the U.S. currently stand at 850. Think of it as the alternate—and perhaps slightly less glamorous—1 percent. Of course, you don't need a perfect score to access credit at the best terms and lowest interest rates.

Does checking your own credit score lower it?

Does a credit check lower your score? Checking your credit score on your own, which is a soft credit check or inquiry, doesn't hurt your credit score. But when a creditor or lender runs a credit check, that's often a hard credit check, which could affect your credit score.

What credit score is good for buying a house?

It's recommended you have a credit score of 620 or higher when you apply for a conventional loan. If your score is below 620, lenders either won't be able to approve your loan or may be required to offer you a higher interest rate, which can result in higher monthly payments.

Is a 720 credit score good?

A 720 FICO® Score is Good, but by raising your score into the Very Good range, you could qualify for lower interest rates and better borrowing terms. A great way to get started is to get your free credit report from Experian and check your credit score to find out the specific factors that impact your score the most.

Is 520 out of 700 a good credit score?

Your score falls within the range of scores, from 300 to 579, considered Very Poor. A 520 FICO® Score is significantly below the average credit score.

Does closing a credit card hurt credit?

A credit card can be canceled without harming your credit score⁠; just remember that paying down credit card balances first (not just the one you're canceling) is key. Closing a charge card won't affect your credit history (history is a factor in your overall credit score).

Is a 736 credit score good?

A 736 FICO® Score is Good, but by raising your score into the Very Good range, you could qualify for lower interest rates and better borrowing terms. A great way to get started is to get your free credit report from Experian and check your credit score to find out the specific factors that impact your score the most.

How can I lift my credit score?

Steps to Improve Your Credit Scores
  1. Build Your Credit File. ...
  2. Don't Miss Payments. ...
  3. Catch Up On Past-Due Accounts. ...
  4. Pay Down Revolving Account Balances. ...
  5. Limit How Often You Apply for New Accounts.