Is 650 a Good Credit Score?

By Jackie Lam

(Last Updated – 02/2024)

Is a 650 credit score good? Not exactly. Technically, a 650 FICO^® score hovers in the fair category. The good credit score range starts at 690. While you can likely qualify for, say, a mortgage or car loan, you can expect to pay higher interest rates than someone with a higher credit score.

A good credit score can feel like your Golden Ticket as a consumer. After all, having a solid credit score helps you secure loans to buy a car or house or go back to school. You can also have enhanced purchasing power with higher than a 650 credit score. Read on to learn what a 650 credit score means to your personal finances and how you might build that number.

What Does a 650 Credit Score Mean?

Consumer credit scores range between 300 and 850, with 300 considered the low end and 850 on the high end. The most widely used credit scoring model is the FICO Score, which is used by most lenders.

Here’s a breakdown of the FICO credit score ranges:

•   Poor: 300-579

•   Fair: 580-669

•   Good: 670-739

•   Very Good: 740-799

•   Excellent: 800-850

As you can see, the answer to “Is a 650 credit score good?” is no. A 650 credit score sits on the higher end of fair territory. It’s not as low as having a poor credit score, and the next highest range for the FICO Score is good, which starts at 670.

While technically, in the eyes of the FICO Score, a 650 credit score is considered fair, what is regarded as a good credit score depends on the lender. In other words, what you qualify for based on a 650 score hinges on the lender, their credit requirements, and how they weigh other financial information.

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What Else Can You Get with a 650 Credit Score?

As mentioned, there’s a strong chance you can qualify for a credit card, car loan, personal loan, or mortgage with a 650 credit score. You might have higher interest rates, less flexibility, and less favorable terms than if you had a good or excellent score.

A credit score is one of many things lenders and creditors review when deciding whether to extend you credit or a loan. They typically also factor in your income, debt-to-income ratio (DTI), education, and collateral.

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 650 Credit Score?

With a 650 credit score, you should be able to qualify for some credit cards. However, note the best credit cards usually require a credit score in the good range or better. With a 650 credit score, you might find yourself limited to credit cards with higher interest rates and fewer perks.

If you find yourself having trouble landing the credit card you want with 650 credit, you might want to consider a secured card, which usually has lower minimum credit score requirements.

Designed for those who are working on building their credit, you’ll need to put down a deposit on the card. Your credit limit to start usually matches your deposit. So if your deposit is $500, your credit limit will also be $500. If you manage a secured card well, you may then be able to shift to a standard credit card.

Recommended: What to Know Before You Borrow Money Online

Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 650 Credit Score?

You most likely will be able to secure an auto loan with a 650 credit score. However, your interest rates won’t be as good than if you had a higher score.

According to data compiled by Experian, in Q3 of 2023, the average interest rate on loans for new cards for consumers with credit scores between 600 and 660 was 9.29%, whereas those with scores between 661 and 780 had an average interest rate was 6.88%.

Can I Get a Mortgage with a 650 Credit Score?

Yes, you can likely get a mortgage with a 650 credit score. Some details:

•   Minimum credit scores for a conventional home loan tend to be in the range of 620.

•   You can get an FHA loan with the maximum amount of financing available with a 580 credit score and 3.5% down payment.

•   For VA loans, most lenders have a minimum credit score which varies but is often anywhere from 580 to 620.

•   For USDA loans, you typically need a credit score of at least 640 to automatically qualify. Otherwise, a full credit review is required before getting the lender’s approval.

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 650 Credit Score?

A 650 credit score can land you a personal loan. That being said, you’ll probably find personal loans with better interest rates if you have a higher score. For credit card consolidation loans, you typically need a higher credit score — think 670 and up.

Again, it’s wise to shop around. Like other forms of financing, lenders will factor in different financial and credit criteria when reviewing your application.

Recommended: Average Interest Rates for Personal Loans

The Takeaway

Is 650 a good credit score? No; it’s in the fair range. Is it possible to get financing or a line of credit with a 650 credit score? Yes. But you’ll also need to consider the reality: You’ll likely have a more challenging time landing a mortgage, auto loan, personal loan, or credit card than someone with a higher credit score. You may be offered higher interest rates, less flexibility, and less favorable terms.

When applying for financing or a line of credit, check your credit score beforehand. This helps you figure out where you stand and anticipate what interest and rates you might be paying.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

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