Is 699 a Good Credit Score?

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    By Jason Steele

    (Last Updated – 04/2026)

    A 699 credit score is considered “good” and should allow you to qualify for most loans and credit cards. This score is a bit below the middle of the good” range, which in turn lies below the very good” and “exceptional” ranges.

    It’s worth noting that with a 699 credit score, while you may be approved for a number of offers, you won’t receive the lowest interest rates and most favorable terms. Those are often reserved for those with a score of 740 or higher. Read on to learn more about what you can likely attain with a score of 699.

    Key Points

    •   A 699 is a “good” FICO® score (670-739), which allows you to qualify for most loans and credit cards.

    •   The lowest interest rates and best terms are typically reserved for “very good” scores of 740 or higher, so a 699 may not secure the best offers.

    •   A 699 score is generally sufficient to get approved for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and personal loans.

    •   At 699, your credit score is slightly below the current U.S. average of 715.

    •   To build a higher score, focus on paying on time, reducing debt utilization below 30%, and maintaining a mix of credit.

    What Does a 699 Credit Score Mean?

    Your credit score is a number that represents your likelihood of repaying a loan. Credit scores use account and payment information from your credit reports to produce credit score ranges between 300 and 850.

    Each of the top three credit bureaus has a unique way of calculating your credit score. According to the FICO scoring system, which is the most popular one, here’s how credit scores stack up:

    •   Poor: 300-579

    •   Fair: 580-669

    •   Good: 670-739

    •   Very Good: 740-799

    •   Excellent: 800-850

    As you can see, a score of 699 puts you squarely in the “good” range. (As mentioned, your score may vary depending on a FICO score vs. a credit score from another bureau.)

    A 699 FICO score usually indicates that you’ve been using credit responsibly most of the time, but perhaps you’ve had several negative credit issues, such as late payments, or you have a brief credit history and haven’t had time to build a higher score.

    If you’re wondering how this score compares to your fellow Americans, consider that the current average credit score in the U.S. is 715.

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    What Else Can You Get with a 699 Credit Score?

    With a 699 credit score, you’ll probably be approved for a variety of secured and unsecured loans, including home mortgages, personal loans, and credit cards. You may not secure the loans with the lowest rates or the best terms (which are often reserved for those with a score of 740 or higher), but you should be able to qualify for many different kinds of loans. Here’s a closer look.

    Can I Get a Credit Card with a 699 Credit Score?

    With a 699 credit score, you should be able to get approved for most credit cards, including some with perks such as cash back and travel rewards. You may also qualify for cards with competitive annual percentage rates (APR) or possibly 0% APR promotional financing offers.

    However, you’ll probably need to have a credit score of at least 740 to qualify for some of the premium rewards credit cards. These may grant access to posh airport lounges or offer welcoming bonuses.

    Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 699 Credit Score?

    You should be approved for most auto loans with a 699 credit score. Often, a score of 661 is required to get a car loan, so a 699 credit score should help you qualify.

    However, the loans with the lowest interest rates and most favorable terms will be reserved for those who have excellent vs. good credit. Currently, according to Experian, the numbers as of the fourth quarter of 2025 look like this:

    •   With a VantageScore between 661 and 780, a new car loan will charge an average interest rate of 6.27%, and for a used car loan, 9.98%.

    •   For those with higher credit scores of 781 to 850, the rates will be on average 4.66% for a new car loan and 7.70% for a used car loan.

    As you see, these numbers indicate that it will cost more to borrow money with a lower credit score. No matter what your score may be, though, it’s always a good idea to shop around and receive multiple offers in your quest for the most favorable loan terms.

    Recommended: Can You Get a Personal Loan for a Car?

    Can I Get a Mortgage with a 699 Credit Score?

    If you have a 699 credit score, there are likely to be plenty of lenders offering you mortgage loans. Typically, the number needed to secure a conventional mortgage is 620, so it can pay to shop around and find the best deal for your situation.

    Don’t worry about rate shopping for a mortgage having a negative impact. Applying for multiple loans in a short period of time shouldn’t hurt your credit score. The applications are effectively combined into one when people are shopping for the right rates and terms. Depending on the credit bureau, you could have a 15- to 45-day window for this.

    It’s also worth noting that those with lower credit scores may be able to secure a government-backed loan, such as an FHA loan. For some prospective homeowners, this can be a good option. With an FHA loan, you may be approved with a 10% down payment and a credit score of 500 or with a 3.5% down payment and a score of 580.

    Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 699 Credit Score?

    There are typically plenty of lenders who will offer you personal loans, such as credit card consolidation loans, with a 699 credit score. In this case, you can pay off high-interest credit card debt with a personal loan that may charge a lower interest rate and/or have a longer term, which makes your monthly payments more manageable. (A longer term, though, can mean more interest paid over the life of the loan.)

    As with the other instances cited above, you would likely qualify for a more competitive interest rate if your FICO score were 740 or above. However, you should still have options available.

    Recommended: How to Apply for a Personal Loan

    Tips for Building a 699 Credit Score

    There are several strategies that can help build your credit score. Doing so may help you qualify for more loan options, potentially with more favorable terms.

    •   The first is to examine your credit history. If you find errors that hurt your score, you can dispute them and have them removed.

    •   You can also help build your credit score by paying down or paying off debt, as the amount owed makes up 30% of your credit score. Credit bureaus look at how much you owe vs. your credit limit when they review your credit utilization ratio, which you’ll want to keep under 30%, or preferably 10%.

    •   Possibly the most important way to build your credit score is to always make your payments on time, as your payment history makes up 35% of your score.

    •   Another factor is the length of your credit history. This is why it can be wise to keep credit cards open even if you don’t use them often; it can have a positive impact on your score.

    •   Having a mix of credit can also help build your credit score. For example, if you have an installment loan and a revolving line of credit instead of just one or the other, that could have a positive effect on your credit score.

    The Takeaway

    A 699 credit score is a “Good” credit score and will likely allow you to qualify for a variety of forms of credit, such as credit cards, car loans, mortgages, and personal loans. You may not be offered as competitive rates and terms as you would if your score were 740. However, there are steps you can take to help build your credit over time with the goal of securing those most favorable offers.

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    FAQ

    What is the current average credit score in the US?

    The current average credit score in the U.S. is 715. A 699 FICO score, which is considered “Good,” is slightly below the national average.

    What is the minimum credit score typically needed to secure a home mortgage?

    Typically, the number needed to secure a conventional mortgage loan is 620. Even those with lower credit scores may be able to secure a government-backed FHA loan with a minimum score of 500 or 580, depending on the down payment.

    How much of my credit score is determined by the amount of debt I owe?

    The amount owed makes up 30% of your credit score. Credit bureaus compare how much you owe to your credit limit, which is why it’s recommended to keep this ratio under 30% or, preferably 10%.

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