Is 683 a Good Credit Score?

By Kim Franke-Folstad

A 683 credit score is considered good. It falls into the good range using both the FICO® and VantageScore® credit scoring models. You will likely be able to qualify for installment loans (such as a mortgage) and lines of credit (a new credit card).

That said, it does fall below the current U.S. average of 715, and there’s room for building your score to reach the very good or excellent categories. The higher your score, the more likely lenders are to offer you the most favorable interest rates and terms. Learn more about what you can expect with a 683 credit score.

What Does a 683 Credit Score Mean?

A credit score generally must be near or slightly above the average for U.S. consumers to be categorized as good (as noted above, the current average is 715). Using the popular FICO® scoring model, that’s anywhere from 670 to 739. With a 683, you’re in that range, but closer to the bottom than the top. You still have a way to go before moving into the very good range (740 to 799) or the exceptional range (800-plus).

Here’s the FICO scale

•   Exceptional (or excellent) credit: 800-850

•   Very good credit: 740-799

•   Good credit: 670-739

•   Fair credit: 580-669

•   Poor credit: 300-579

What Can You Get with a 683 Credit Score?

It’s important to note that it’s up to individual lenders to decide how they will assess credit scores. They have multiple scoring models to choose from, including some that are industry-specific (for auto loans, mortgages, etc.).

Lenders look at more than credit scores when making their decisions. If you have other factors working for you (a low debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, stable employment and a good income, cash in the bank or other assets), they’ll usually take that into consideration.

With that in mind, here’s what you may be eligible for with a 683 credit score.

Recommended: Personal Loan Glossary

Can I Get a Credit Card with a 683 Credit Score?

A 683 credit score should be good enough for you to qualify for an unsecured credit card vs. a secured credit card (which requires some type of collateral). But you may not be approved for a luxury or premium card, the lowest annual percentage rate (APR), the highest credit limit, or certain rewards or privileges.

Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 683 Credit Score?

The minimum credit score required to get a car loan varies from one lender to the next. And lenders may use an industry-specific scoring model for auto loans that works a little differently than your basic credit score. But as with most types of borrowing, the higher your score, the more likely you are to receive better financing terms.

With a 683 credit score, you can expect to get an average APR that’s at least one or two points higher than what car buyers with scores in the next highest range are paying. For instance, when evaluating new car loans, Experian found that in the third quarter of 2024, the average APR, or annual percentage rate, for those with a credit score between 661 and 780 was 6.70% while those with a score over 780 would be assessed an average rate of 5.08%.

By the way, if you’re wondering if it makes more sense to buy a new or used car, there are pros and cons to both. It may seem counterintuitive, but it actually can be easier to get financing for a new car. Of course, a used car may have a much lower price, which can be easier on your budget.

Can I Get a Mortgage with a 683 Credit Score?

Eligibility requirements can vary with different types of mortgages, and individual lenders may have their own criteria. But here are some credit score basics to consider:

•   If you’re applying for a conventional mortgage loan, you typically will need a credit score of at least 620. With a 683 credit score, you’re likely to be approved, but you probably won’t be offered the best interest rates and other terms available.

•   Although the Department of Veterans Affairs doesn’t set a minimum credit score requirement for VA loan borrowers, lenders typically like to see at least a 620. And you may get a lower interest rate with your 683 credit score.

•   Considering a government-insured FHA loan? Borrowers with a credit score as low as 500 can qualify. But if your credit score is 580 or higher, you may be able to make a down payment that’s as low as 3.5%.

•   There isn’t a firm credit score requirement for government-backed USDA loans. However, you are more likely to be approved if your score is 620 or higher.

Though a 683 credit score should be high enough to qualify for any of these mortgage loan types, you may want to talk to a mortgage professional about how various costs might affect your monthly payments and which option might be right for you.

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 683 Credit Score?

Unless lenders see some potential red flags on your application, a 683 credit score should be high enough to help you qualify for unsecured personal loans.

Once approved, you can use the funds from a personal loan for almost any purpose you can think of, from paying for a vacation to financing family planning (like the cost of IVF).

Your interest rate probably won’t be as low as what borrowers in the very good and exceptional ranges are offered. And you may have to settle for a lower loan amount. Still, personal loans tend to have lower interest rates than credit cards, which can make them a good choice for larger expenses. And you may find it makes sense to use a credit card consolidation loan to simplify your finances. Knowing you’ll have one fixed payment to make every month can help you stay on track with your budget.

Wondering how a personal loan might compare to other financing options? A personal loan calculator can help you determine how much your monthly payments might be. You also can calculate how much you could save by using a personal loan to pay off any existing high-interest debt that’s getting in the way of your goals.

Recommended: What Are Personal Loans Used For?

The Takeaway

A 683 credit score is generally considered to be in the good range, and it’s the category most Americans fall into. Lenders are likely to treat you as a creditworthy candidate when you apply for financing, meaning you will probably have options to choose from. You may however pay a higher interest rate than you would if you had a credit score in the very good or exceptional range. It can be worthwhile to carefully consider various options when applying for credit, whether it’s a new credit card or a personal loan, to find the right fit and the best deal.

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 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

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