Is 617 a Good Credit Score?

By Jackie Lam

A 617 credit score isn’t good or bad — it’s considered “fair” in the FICO® scoring system. While you can access a range of credit and loan products with a 617 score, you probably won’t qualify for a lender’s more competitive rates.

Your fair credit may be the result of financial missteps in the past or the fact that you’re just starting out and don’t have much credit history. Either way, building your credit profile can open doors to more lending options at more affordable rates.

Find out what a 617 credit score means and explore the possibilities it opens for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and personal loans.

What Does a 617 Credit Score Mean?

Credit scores, which generally range between 300 and 850, are designed to represent how likely you are to pay your bills on time. Creditors and lenders consider your scores as one factor when deciding whether to approve you for new credit and also the rate and terms for which you qualify.

There are many different types of credit scores and scoring models, but the FICO scoring model is one commonly used by lenders. Here’s how it breaks down:

•   Poor: 300-579

•   Fair: 580-669

•   Good: 670-739

•   Very Good: 740-799

•   Exceptional: 800-850

A 617 score falls in the “fair” zone and is below the average score of U.S. consumers, which is 713. Lenders generally consider consumers with fair credit to be higher-risk borrowers. According to consumer credit bureau Experian®, 28% of consumers with credit scores in the fair range are likely to become seriously delinquent in the future. Some lenders aren’t at ease with those odds and will only extend credit to consumers with “good” or better credit. Other lenders will work with fair credit borrowers but charge relatively high rates and fees to manage the risk.

While many people share your credit score, everyone gets there on their own unique path. Some reasons why you may have a 617 credit score include:

•   Missed payments: Lenders want borrowers to pay on time, which is why payment history is a significant factor in your credit score.

•   High credit utilization: Using a significant percentage of your available credit (aka, maxing out your credit cards) can have a negative impact on your credit score.

•   Short credit history: The average age of all your credit accounts, along with the age of your oldest and newest accounts, is a factor in credit scoring. A shorter credit history often correlates with a lower score.

•   Derogatory marks: Events such as charge-offs (when a creditor considers a debt a loss and closes an account) or collections negatively impact your score.

Recommended: 620 Credit Score: Is It Good or Bad?

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What Can You Get With a 617 Credit Score?

Your credit score significantly affects your ability to secure financial products. While a 617 score presents some challenges, it doesn’t shut you out of the market. Here’s what you can expect across different credit products, including credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and personal loans.

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 617 Credit Score?

You can get a credit card with a 617 score, but your options may be limited. Some credit card options for fair credit borrowers include:

•   Secured credit cards: Secured cards can be a good choice for people who are working to establish or rebuild their credit. Unlike a traditional unsecured credit card, this type of card requires an upfront security deposit. The deposit then serves as collateral should you default on your debt. It also typically acts as your credit limit.

•   Unsecured credit cards for fair credit: Some lenders offer unsecured cards for fair credit, though they may include higher annual percentage rates (APRs).

•   Store credit cards: Retail credit cards usually have lower minimum credit scores and less stringent requirements than general credit cards. However, they might have higher interest rates and lower credit limits. And if it’s a closed-loop store card, it can only be used with that retailer and maybe with certain partners.

Can I Get an Auto Loan With a 617 Credit Score?

A 617 credit score can put you in the path of a car loan, but be prepared for higher interest rates. According to a first-quarter 2025 report from Experian, the average interest rate for borrowers in the 601-660 credit range was 9.83% for a new car loan and 13.74% for a used car loan. This was several points higher than rates for borrowers with very good or exceptional credit scores (781-850), which were 5.18% and 6.82%, respectively. Lenders may also cap the max loan amount (requiring a larger down payment) or offer shorter loan terms to minimize their risk exposure.

To get a more favorable car loan rate with a 617 credit score, it’s a good idea to shop around. Compare offers from a variety of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Also, consider adding a cosigner with a higher credit score, as this can improve your approval chances and reduce your interest rate.

Can I Get a Mortgage With a 617 Credit Score?

Obtaining a mortgage with a 617 credit score is possible but can be challenging. Many lenders set minimum credit score requirements for specific mortgage products. For a conventional mortgage (which isn’t guaranteed by any government agency), you generally need a minimum credit score of 620. However, some other mortgage options may be available to you, including:

•   FHA loans: Backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), these loans are designed for borrowers with lower credit scores. With a score of 617, you may qualify with as little as a 3.5% down payment. These loans require mandatory FHA mortgage insurance but can be a great option for fair-credit borrowers looking to buy a home.

•   VA loans: If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member, you could benefit from a VA loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These loans often have no minimum credit score or down payment requirement. However, you’ll need to pay a funding fee ranging from 0.5%-3.3% at closing.

If you’re working toward buying a house with fair credit, it’s a good idea to pay down any debts you already owe. This can not only benefit your credit but also improve your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which could help you qualify for a bigger mortgage.

Recommended: Best Types of Loans for Home Improvement

Can I Get a Personal Loan With a 617 Credit Score?

A personal loan gives you access to a lump sum of cash (anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $100,000) that can be used for virtually any purpose, including debt consolidation, a big-ticket purchase, emergency expenses, home repairs, or a wedding. These loans are typically unsecured (meaning no collateral is required) and have a fixed interest rate.

It’s possible to get approved for a personal loan with a 617 credit score, though you aren’t likely to get a lender’s more favorable rates. Many personal loan lenders use a risk-based approach to pricing: If your credit score is fair, they may charge you a higher interest rate, along with an origination fee, to compensate for the added risk. Borrowers with fair credit may also qualify for smaller loan amounts and shorter loan terms compared to those with good or better credit.

To get a better deal on a personal loan for a 617 credit score, it’s a good idea to shop around. Many lenders allow you to prequalify online, which can give you an idea of what loans you’re eligible for without hurting your credit.

Recommended: Personal Loan Calculator

The Takeaway

A 617 credit score isn’t ideal, but it’s not the end of the road. With this score, you have access to a range of financial products, though often at higher costs. By focusing on improving your credit habits — such as paying bills on time, reducing debt, and avoiding unnecessary hard inquiries — you can build your credit profile and unlock better financial opportunities in the future. Whether you’re looking for a credit card, auto loan, mortgage, or personal loan, careful planning and research can help you find great options for your situation.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

SoFi's Personal Loan was named NerdWallet's 2026 Best Personal Loan for Excellent Credit.

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FAQ

What are some reasons why I have a fair credit score?

One reason is that you have missed payments in your payment history. Using a high percentage of your available credit and having a short credit history can also negatively impact your score. Charge-offs or collections are other potential reasons for a fair score.

What do lenders tend to think of consumers with fair credit?

In general, lenders tend to think of borrowers with fair credit scores as higher-risk. Since more than a quarter of these borrowers are likely to become seriously delinquent, some lenders will only extend credit to those with credit scores that are “good” or better. Other lenders will charge relatively high rates and fees to people with fair credit scores.

What kind of credit and loan products can I obtain with a 617 credit score?

With a 617 credit score, you may be eligible for secured credit cards, unsecured credit cards for fair credit, and store credit cards (although with higher interest rates or annual percentage rates and lower credit limits). You are also eligible for auto loans and personal loans, but with higher interest rates. While you usually need a 620 score for a conventional mortgage, FHA and VA loans may be available to you.