By Austin Kilham

(Last Updated – 12/2025)

A credit score of 610 is considered a “fair” score vs. a “good” score. According to FICO^®, which compiles one of the most commonly used credit scores, a “good” credit score is anywhere between 670 to 739. A 610 credit score falls short of that mark.

That said, is a 610 score bad? No, it’s a notch above the “poor” category. And it can still provide options for you to secure a loan or line of credit, though you are likely to have more limited choices and pay more to borrow. Here’s a closer look at what a score of 610 means, and what you can expect when borrowing funds.

What Does a 610 Credit Score Mean?

Most people in the U.S. have a credit score between 600 and 750. In fact, the ave

Most people in the U.S. have a credit score between 600 and 750. In fact, the average score is 715. With a 610 FICO Score, you land squarely in the “fair” range, which includes scores of 580 to 669. This score is below average, and may be categorized as “subprime.” That said, there may be lenders willing to approve loans at this credit level.

According to FICO, the ranges and ratings for credit scores are:

•   Poor credit: 300-579

•   Fair credit: 580-669

•   Good credit: 670-739

•   Very good credit: 740-799

•   Exceptional credit: 800-850

So what does a credit score of 610 mean? First, understand why your credit score is important. It’s a numerical representation of your credit history. It distills into one number factors such as your history of paying bills on time, how long you’ve had credit, how many accounts you’re able to maintain at once, and whether you’re actively seeking new credit.

When you apply for a loan, lenders will look at this score to help them determine your creditworthiness.

•   Higher scores can signal that you have been responsible with your credit in the past, and you’ve likely managed to pay your bills on time, even when juggling multiple forms of debt.

•   Lenders usually see borrowers with higher scores as less risk. They’re more likely to offer these borrowers credit at lower interest rates and with more favorable terms.

•   Lenders worry that borrowers with low credit scores are more likely to default on their loans. A default is time-consuming and costly to the lender as they attempt to recoup their losses, so a low score represents more risk.

•   Lenders may choose not to extend credit to borrowers with low scores. And if they do, they may offer loans with much higher interest rates and fees to help offset the risk they’re taking on.

Can I Build My Credit Score?

You can build your credit score. In fact, doing so may be a good idea for those wishing to avoid higher interest rates and fees. Strategies for raising your credit score include:

•   Always making on-time payments, first and foremost.

•   Keeping your credit utilization ratio low, ideally below 30%.

•   Aiming to extend your credit history, which can mean keeping open older accounts that are in good standing.

•   Showing you can handle a mix of credit types responsibly, such as lines of credit and installment loans.

•   Not applying for too much credit in a short window of time, if possible. It can create the impression that you are a risky borrower.

Recommended: Do Store Credit Cards Build Credit?

What Can You Get with a 610 Credit Score?

With a credit score of 610, you’ll likely have access to most types of lending products. However, there may be some restrictions on certain types of loans or credit lines, and you may not get the best rates and terms.

Can I Get a Credit Card with a 610 Credit Score?

You likely qualify for a credit card if you have a credit score of 610. However, think carefully about whether you’re able to take on this kind of credit.

Why? Credit cards are a form of revolving credit. They will allow you to carry a balance from month to month, but in return, they can charge high interest rates. Consider that the average interest rates for credit cards are around 24%. And this can make the cost of borrowing very expensive.

The only way to avoid interest is to pay your bill in full every month. Ask yourself whether you are able to do so. If you can’t, you could set yourself up to fall into increasing amounts of debt.

One alternative to consider: a secured credit card. A secured credit card allows you to put down a deposit and spend up to that amount. Making regular payments with a secured card can be a good way to improve your credit score, if your lender reports the activity to the credit bureaus.

Responsible use of a secured card can help you qualify for an unsecured card in the future.

Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 610 Credit Score?

There are no hard and fast rules for minimum scores needed to get an auto loan. The qualifications will vary lender to lender.

That said, the higher your score, the more likely you are to qualify for a loan. According to the Q2 2025 State of the Automotive Finance Market Report from Experian®, 10.86% of new auto loans went to borrowers with near-prime credit scores (601-660). Compare that to the 35.19% of new loans that went to borrowers with prime credit scores (661-780).

Unfortunately, the lower your credit score, the more you will likely pay to borrow when you finance a car. Consider that in 2025, the average interest rate on a new car loan for a near-prime borrower was 9.97%, while prime borrowers paid an average of 6.78% in interest.

Can I Get a Mortgage with a 610 Credit Score?

When it comes to getting a mortgage loan, a credit score of 610 can reduce your options. At 610, your credit score is not quite high enough to qualify for most conventional loans. These are loans that aren’t backed by a government agency, and they typically require a credit score of 620 or higher. It may be possible lenders will offer you a loan with a lower credit score, but they will almost certainly hike interest rates to compensate. This can significantly increase the cost of borrowing.

While conventional loans may be tough to secure, there are some government-backed options that are worth considering.

Federal Housing Administration, or FHA, loans with a 3.5% down payment typically require a credit score of 580. You can often qualify for one if you have a lower score as long as you put 10% down. There are some limitations on this program. For example, the home you purchase must be your primary residence, and you’ll need to demonstrate proof of employment.

Members and former members of the armed forces may qualify for a VA loan, which is offered through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. As with FHA loans, lenders usually require a credit score of at least 580 to qualify.

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 610 Credit Score?

There are personal loans available to borrowers with lower credit scores. However, as with the other forms of credit mentioned above, there are likely trade-offs, namely in the form of higher interest rates and fees.

Before you take out a personal loan, consider whether you are able to take time to build your credit score before you borrow. That way, you may qualify for a loan with cheaper rates.

The Takeaway

With a credit score of 610, you will likely qualify for several useful types of credit. However, that credit will be more expensive due to potentially higher interest rates and fees than borrowers with higher scores would be charged. Take steps, if you can, to work on building your credit score. And at the very least, shop around to multiple lenders to help ensure that you’re getting the lowest rates and best terms possible.

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.

By Jennifer Calonia

(Last Updated – 11/2025)

If you check the FICO® Score ranges, you’ll find that a credit score of 695 puts you solidly in the “good” category. You can probably feel confident that your creditworthiness is in good shape. In general, a 695 credit score will help you secure access to loans and lines of credit, though not necessarily at the most favorable interest rates available.

Here, you’ll take a closer look at what a 695 credit score means and how it will impact your qualifying for different kinds of credit.

What Does a 695 Credit Score Mean?

In the world of credit ratings, there are a number of different scoring models with varying ranges. For example, the commonly used Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) scoring model uses a range of 300 to 850 while Equifax’s model ranges from 280 to 850.

Each model’s credit range is broken down into rating groups. Below is the credit rating scale for FICO Scores, which is the most popular system:

•   300 – 580: This “poor” rating is the lowest range in the scoring model and suggests that the borrower might be a default risk.

•   580 – 669: A “fair” rating that’s generally considered below average compared to other U.S. consumers. Some lenders might approve borrowers in this range.

•   670 – 739: A “good” FICO Score, as this range is around the average score of U.S. consumers.

•   740 – 799: This range is considered “very good.” It’s higher than the average consumer’s score. It suggests that the borrower has been responsible with credit in the past, and it can likely open doors to favorable offers for loans and credit lines.

•   800 or higher: This is the highest rating at “exceptional” or “excellent.” Borrowers in this credit range are viewed as being a low default risk and have the best chance at approval and the lowest loan interest rates.

Although a FICO Score vs. credit score of a different model might have slightly different ranges, a 695 credit score is generally regarded as average or good by most lenders.

Credit Score Factors

The activities that lead to a 695 FICO Score can be complex to decipher. A couple of hints:

•   The single biggest contributor to your score, at 35%, is payment history, meaning on-time payments. So a 695 credit score might mean that you have a late payment or two on your record, which could lower your credit score but overall demonstrate responsible repayment habits.

•   Or you might have a perfect payment record, but tend to have a high credit utilization. An example of this is having credit card balances that are regularly close to your limit.

Ultimately, a 695 score means that your credit data isn’t perfect based on the scoring model’s factors. It’s slightly below the national average credit score of 715, but overall, it shouldn’t raise immediate red flags for lenders.

What Else Can You Get with a 695 Credit Score?

Having a good credit score like 695 is helpful in many ways. Here are a few not-so-obvious instances where good credit comes in handy:

•  When getting an apartment rental.

•  When applying for a new job.

•  When setting up utility services, as you may be able to avoid a security deposit.

Of course, in addition to being advantageous in other areas of your life, a 695 FICO Score can help qualify you for getting new types of credit, which you’ll learn about next.

Can I Get a Credit Card with a 695 Credit Score?

Generally, having a 695 score is adequate enough to meet many card issuer’s minimum credit requirements, while a score that nudges over the 700 figure is likely to open even more doors.

•   A score of 695 is typically eligible for many unsecured credit cards. Getting an unsecured credit card means you aren’t required to put forward collateral like with secured cards. (Secured credit cards require a refundable security deposit that acts as the card’s limit.) With an unsecured card, you can access greater borrowing power that isn’t restricted by a deposit.

•   Some credit cards will require a higher minimum credit rating. These cards may offer lower interest rates and richer credit card rewards. For instance, some cards require excellent credit at a minimum which is at least 800.

Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 695 Credit Score?

Your credit score can help determine whether you’ll get approved for a loan, and it directly influences the interest rate you’re offered.

If you have a 695 credit score, you’re considered by many lenders as being a “prime” borrower in terms of your risk level. This means your borrowing history suggests you’d likely make your payments on time and pay back the entire loan as agreed. While there isn’t a universal score required to buy a car, most borrowers have scores of 661 or higher, according to Experian®.

Assuming you satisfy the lender’s other underwriting requirements, like income, other monthly obligations and credit utilization, you can likely get an auto loan with a 695 score.

Can I Get a Mortgage with a 695 Credit Score?

Yes, prospective home buyers can likely get mortgage loans with a 695 FICO Score. Moreover, you have a few options in the type of home loans you can access.

For example, Fannie Mae’s underwriting guidelines state that the minimum score for a fixed-rate manually underwritten loan is 620; for an adjustable rate, you’ll likely need a minimum 640 score. This means you can likely get a fixed- or adjustable-rate conventional mortgage loan with a 695 score.

If a conventional mortgage isn’t for you — for example, if you have a low down payment — a 695 credit score more than meets credit requirements for a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loan. FHA borrowers can qualify for a loan with a down payment as low as 3.5% and a minimum FICO score of 580.

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 695 Credit Score?

Personal loans are a convenient way to finance a large purchase, or they can be a useful debt consolidation tool.

Typically, a good to exceptional credit rating is required by many personal loan lenders. A 695 credit score is good to have before applying for a personal loan, though it may not earn you the best available (lowest) interest rates. Those may be reserved for those with higher figures.

Typically, a good to exceptional credit rating is required by many personal loan lenders. A 695 credit score is good to have before applying for a personal loan, though it may not earn you the best available (lowest) interest rates. Those may be reserved for those with higher figures.

Personal loans come with either fixed or variable interest rates. Borrowers with the highest credit scores are more likely to qualify for the most competitive loan rates, but borrowers with “average” credit can also avoid steep rates that are generally reserved for subprime borrowers (or those whose scores are below 600 typically).

The Takeaway

A 695 credit score is categorized as a good score, meaning you are likely creditworthy. If you need to borrow money or apply for a new credit card with a 695 credit score, you should have a broad range of options to choose from. This score signals to lenders that you’re a reliable borrower and will likely repay your debt in full over time. However, you may find that some perks (such as lower interest rates or better credit card rewards) are available if you were to build your score higher still.

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.

By Ashley Kilroy

(Last Updated – 12/2025)

A 730 credit score is considered a good credit score and can help you qualify for loans and credit cards, potentially at favorable interest rates. This score is something you can be proud of, as it likely indicates a history of responsible, reliable borrowing habits, such as paying your loans on time.

In the dynamic landscape of personal finance, your credit score can serve as a pivotal indicator of your financial health. Among the spectrum of credit scores, a score of 730 stands as a significant milestone, above the national average of 716.

Read on for more details about a 730 credit score and what it means to your financial life.

What Does a 730 Credit Score Mean?

A 730 credit score is solidly in the “good” category. In fact, it’s just 10 points away from being in the “very good” range, according to FICO, the most widely used credit scoring model. While you may not receive the very best interest rates and terms available, your credit history demonstrates enough reliability for many lenders to want to work with you.

Here’s how FICO credit score ranges usually align:

•   Poor: 300-579

•   Fair: 580-669

•   Good: 670-739

•   Very Good: 740-799

•   Excellent: 800-850

Getting a 730 FICO Score requires you to practice responsible borrowing. Several aspects of borrowing will help you maintain this score versus having a bad credit score:

•   Pay your bills on time.

•   Keep your credit card balances under 30% of your total borrowing limit (preferably closer to 10%).

•   Keep lines of credit open.

•   Demonstrate reliability with different forms of credit, such as both credit cards and installment loans (such as a mortgage or personal loan).

•   Limit the number of hard credit inquiries from lenders.

What Else Can You Get with a 730 Credit Score?

Your credit score is an essential asset for your financial well-being. Here’s why having a good credit score is important and how it can help you qualify for loans and lines of credit:

•   Favorable approval rates: Lenders are more likely to approve your credit card or loan application when you have a good credit score because it signals that you are a lower-risk borrower.

•   Lower interest rates: Statistically, borrowers with higher credit scores are less likely to default on payments. So, lenders tend to offer more favorable interest rates to borrowers with scores of 730 or higher. Because loans are usually thousands of dollars, even a fraction of a percent can equate to drastic differences in cost.

•   Better loan terms: Having a good credit score may lead to more favorable loan terms, such as reduced fees. For example, your lender might waive or lower origination fees for applicants with scores of 700 or better.

•   Access to more credit options: With a good credit score, you are more likely to qualify for a variety of credit options, including credit cards, personal loans, auto loans, and mortgages.

•   Higher credit limits: Creditors are often willing to extend higher credit limits to individuals with good credit scores, providing you with greater borrowing power.

•   Exclusive offers: Some lenders and financial institutions offer special bonuses, rewards, or exclusive deals to individuals with excellent credit scores.

•   Enhanced housing options: If you are planning to rent a home, your credit score is one way landlords assess your application for an apartment.A 730 FICO Score tells the landlord you’ll probably be a responsible, low-risk tenant.

•   No security deposits: Some utilities (usually cable or satellite TV) require security deposits because of the valuable equipment installed for service. However, a high credit score may qualify you for a waiver for this fee.

Can I Get a Credit Card with a 730 Credit Score?

Card issuers review your credit score as part of your application for a credit card. While the specific requirements can vary among different credit cards and issuers, a credit score of 700 or higher is sufficient to qualify for most credit cards.

As a result, a 730 credit score can help you get a credit card, possibly with some perks, such as lower APRs and more rewards. Remember, establishing a history of on-time payments and creating a diverse credit mix are crucial for boosting your credit score to this level.

Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 730 Credit Score?

Auto lenders usually give borrowers with good credit preferential terms and rates for financing vehicle purchases. Specifically, auto lenders like to see credit scores of 661 to 780 from borrowers seeking competitive rates. So, a 730 FICO Score puts you comfortably in the prime range for a loan with a favorable rate. That said, the value of the car, your down payment, and other factors can also influence whether you’ll qualify for an auto loan.

Recommended: Does Paying Off a Car Loan Help Your Credit Score?

Can I Get a Mortgage with a 730 Credit Score?

You can likely get a mortgage with a 730 credit score if you meet other qualifying criteria for the loan (such as debt-to-income ratio, employment history, etc.).

•   Conventional mortgages usually require a credit score of 620 or higher, while jumbo loans may require a credit score of at least 700.

•   You can typically get an FHA loan with a credit score of 500 by making a 10% down payment.

•   VA loans usually require a credit score of 620.

•   USDA loans typically require a 580 credit score.

Remember, loan standards vary by lender, and your borrower profile should be strong in other areas (such as income) to get the best terms and rates.

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 730 Credit Score?

You can probably get a personal loan with a 730 credit score. These loans, which you can use to pay off high-interest credit card debt or medical bills, usually are given to those with a score of at least 670.

Remember, you’ll also need sufficient monthly income and a solid debt-to-income ratio to qualify for a personal loan. Because criteria vary among lenders, it’s crucial to shop around to see what kind of offers you get based on your financial profile.

How to Build Your Credit Score

A higher credit score, such as a 730 credit score, boosts your chances to qualify for a loan and receive better terms and rates. Here are steps that can help build your score to that level or even higher:

•   Enhance your credit file: Building your credit file involves establishing a positive credit history by having various types of credit accounts and managing them responsibly. If you have no credit history, you might start with a credit-builder loan or a secured credit card as your first account.

•   Stay current on payments: Timely payments can be crucial for building your credit score. Payment history is a significant factor in credit scoring models. For this reason, you may want to set up reminders or automatic payments to ensure you never miss due dates. Remember, one missed payment can hurt your credit.

•   Address delinquent accounts: Delinquent accounts, or accounts with late payments, damage your credit score the longer they sit on your credit profile. Addressing these accounts involves bringing them current and resolving any outstanding issues. To do so, contact creditors to work out a repayment plan if needed. A credit counselor may also help negotiate favorable payment conditions on your behalf if your situation becomes overwhelming.

•   Apply for new credit sparingly: Each time you apply for a new loan or credit, the lender makes a hard inquiry on your credit report. Every inquiry temporarily lowers your credit score, and too many inquiries within a short period may suggest risky borrowing habits. So, be selective about applying for new credit, and apply for loans or credit cards when you’re confident in your eligibility.

The Takeaway

A credit score of 730 is considered a good score by most lenders and almost in the “very good” credit score range. This score likely reflects well on your responsible use of credit. It can provide access to various loan products with favorable lending terms, including personal loans, which can be used to pay off high-interest debt.

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.