Is 674 a Good Credit Score?

By Melissa Brock

(Last Updated – 06/2024)

A credit score of 674 is an average, or fair, score and may indicate to lenders that you are a lower-risk borrower. According to FICO, a score that falls in the 670 to 739 range is classified as “good.” FICO scores are based on information typically provided by the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.

Although FICO^® scores are used by 90% of the top lenders, some creditors base their decisions on a credit score provided by VantageScore. VantageScore’s “good” credit score range is 661 to 780. So even with a 674 credit score, you’re still considered lower risk.

Many lenders in the U.S. consider people with a “good” credit score to be acceptable borrowers. This means they may see you as eligible for an array of credit products, though you may not get the most choice product offers, lowest interest rates, or best loan terms.

What Does a 674 Credit Score Mean?

Your credit score is a three-digit number that indicates to lenders your creditworthiness. According to FICO, credit scores range from 300 to 850. The higher the number, the more likely creditors will see you as someone who can be trusted to repay a debt, such as a personal loan, on time.

A 674 credit score puts you right in the middle of FICO’s credit score ranges. Here’s how the scores break down:

•   Exceptional: 800 to 850

•   Very Good: 740 to 799

•   Good: 670 to 739

•   Fair: 580 to 669

•   Poor: 300 to 579

Borrowers with a credit score of 674 are considered a relatively lower risk when it comes to paying back the money they owe. However, lenders might be more cautious, as some borrowers in this credit range have a record of missed or late payments; have a higher credit utilization rate, which could lower their credit score; or have a shorter credit history.

Note that since a 674 credit score is only four points above the lowest end of the “good” range, you’ll want to ensure it doesn’t slip into the “fair” credit score range.

Recommended: What Is a FICO Score? FICO Score vs. Credit Score

What Else Can You Get with a 674 Credit Score?

Since you fall into the “good” credit range with a 674 credit score, you could be eligible for a variety of credit cards and different types of loans. Let’s take a closer look.

Can I Get a Credit Card with a 674 Credit Score?

With a 674 credit score, you should be able to qualify for a standard, or unsecured, credit card. This type of credit card allows the cardholder to use their credit card when they want to, up to the credit limit. There’s no end date for an unsecured credit card, and you can use it continuously.

One thing to keep in mind about your credit card options with a “good” credit score: You most likely won’t qualify for the best credit card perks out there, such as balance transfer offers, 0% APR offers, or those credit cards with peak cash-back rewards. You may also not get the best rates or terms.

Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 674 Credit Score?

While there’s no credit rate minimum etched in stone for an auto loan, a good number of borrowers have a credit score of 660 or higher, according to Lending Tree. Meanwhile, Wallethub.com reports individuals with credit scores below 700 receive more than 40% of all auto loans.

Your interest rate on a car loan does depend on your credit score, along with some other factors, such as your debt-to-income ratio, how much of a down payment you put down, the length of your loan term, and whether you’re buying a new or used car. The latest average auto loan interest rates for a credit score of 674 is 6.40% for a new car and 8.75% for a used car, according to Experian.

To determine the odds of your defaulting, they will consider your credit score and history, as well as your loan term, down payment, income and debt, and their own criteria as well.

Can I Get a Mortgage with a 674 Credit Score?

Borrowers whose credit scores fall below the “good” credit range are often still able to get a mortgage, so with a 674 credit score, you should be able to secure a mortgage loan. Case in point: Homebuyers need only a minimum 620 credit score to apply for a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac fixed-rate mortgage loan and a minimum 580 credit score to apply for a government-backed Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan.

Generally, having a 674 credit score will put mortgage borrowers in a good position to get approved for a mortgage and have access to favorable loan rates.

In addition to your credit score, mortgage lenders consider your payment history, how much credit you use, income, and assets. Make sure to review your credit reports and remove any errors for your best chance to qualify for a mortgage loan with a great interest rate.

Recommended: FHA Loan vs. Conventional Mortgage: Decoding the Differences

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 674 Credit Score?

There are many reasons why you may want or need a personal loan, including home improvements, a wedding, medical bills, or credit card consolidation. In fact, according to Bankrate, more Americans (39%) take out a personal loan to consolidate debt than any other reason.

Whatever the reason, with a credit score of 674, you will likely have options for securing a personal loan. Typically, you need a credit score of at least 610 to 640 to qualify for a loan, so a credit score of 674 makes you a good candidate in the eyes of many lenders. Though some lenders prefer a borrower who falls into the “very good” or “exceptional” range, with a 674 credit score, you may still qualify for a personal loan with competitive loan terms.

Takeaway

Is 674 a good credit score? Having a 674 credit score puts you in the “good” category, according to the main credit scoring companies, FICO and VantageScore. Creditors and lenders consider the score to be average and borrowers who have it to be lower risk.

However, if your credit score is under 700, you may not be able to reap all the benefits when it comes to credit cards or loan offers, such as securing a low interest rate. The good news is, you may be able to raise your credit score by making timely payments, keeping credit utilization low, and checking your credit report on a regular basis to monitor for any errors that could be impacting your score.

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.

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