By Lauren Ward

When you’re applying for financing, most lenders view a 704 credit score as good. That means from a credit perspective, you’re likely to qualify for financing with better rates than individuals with lower scores. You do, of course, need to meet other financial requirements as well. Plus, there’s still some room for improvement, so keep reading to find out exactly what a 704 FICO® score means.

What Does a 704 Credit Score Mean?

A 704 credit score falls into the “good” category on a typical credit score range. It’s also in line with the average American’s credit rating. According to FICO, the credit scoring model used in most lending decisions, the average credit score in the U.S. is 717. VantageScore, another popular credit scoring model, cites its average score as 702.

As you can see, if you have a 704 credit score, you’re right in line with most other Americans. Still, there’s room for improvement. Here’s how FICO categorizes its scores so you can compare a score of 704:

•   Poor: Less than 580

•   Fair: 580 to 669

•   Good: 670 to 739

•   Very good: 740 to 799

•   Exceptional: 800+

How to Build Your Credit Score

If you have a 704 FICO Score, there’s a good chance you already qualify for a wide range of financial products. But taking steps to get an even higher score can help you qualify for better-quality financing products and lower interest rates.

Factors that impact your score include your credit utilization, payment history, credit history length, types of credit you use, and recent credit or loan applications. Find out which areas of your credit report need help in order to strategically improve your score as quickly as possible.

For example, if your payment history is less-than-stellar, you may want to consider setting up automatic bill payments so you never miss a due date. Or if you’re using too much of your available credit, try paying down balances.

Some free credit monitoring services may also offer tips on how to improve your score based on the information in your credit report.

What Else Can You Get With a 704 Credit Score?

With a 704 credit score, you’re well on your way to qualifying for multiple types of financing. But your score may affect your application differently depending on what kind of financing you’re looking for.

Here’s what to expect with a 704 credit score when trying to get a credit card, auto loan, mortgage, and personal loan.

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 704 Credit Score?

Each creditor has its own minimum credit score requirements. That said, your credit card approval odds are good as long as you have a score of 700 or higher. So with a 704 credit score, you’ll likely get approved.

However, remember to apply for cards strategically. With each application, a lender performs a hard credit pull that can lower your score by around five points. Inquiries can impact your score for a year and stay on your credit report for two years. If you have a 704 and apply for a few credit cards in a 12-month period, your score could drop below the 700 threshold and make it harder to qualify for a credit card.

Getting preapproved with a soft credit check gives you a sense of what kind of credit terms you qualify for without actually hurting your score. That lets you compare a few different options to see which cards offer the best APR, fees, and credit limits.

Can I Get an Auto Loan With a 704 Credit Score?

Can you get a 704 credit score car loan? Yes, a 704 is a good credit score for qualifying for this type of financing. In fact, there’s no minimum credit score for an auto loan. However, in addition to meeting credit score requirements, you’ll also need to showcase your ability to make your monthly payments along with a few other financial qualifications.

For instance, you must prove that you bring in a steady income, typically by submitting copies of recent pay stubs, W-2s or 1099s, or bank statements. If you’re self-employed, you may need to show your two most recent tax returns.

Lenders also look at your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). That means you can’t exceed the maximum ratio of debt payments compared to your income each month, including the new car payment. Generally speaking, lenders consider a DTI of 36% and below as good. That means all of your debt payments can only account for 36% of your pretax income each month. However, you may be able to qualify for a car loan with a higher rate.

Finally, depending on the lender, you may also need to provide a down payment. A larger down payment helps keep your payments lower and could help you qualify for better terms.

Can I Get a Mortgage With a 704 Credit Score?

A 704 credit score can get you a good mortgage rate. But as with an auto loan, your credit score isn’t the only factor mortgage lenders look at when evaluating an application. There are also multiple home loan programs that each have different credit score criteria. And lenders can implement even stricter minimums if they choose.

There are four main types of mortgage loans that most homebuyers choose from:

•   Conventional loans: This type of mortgage is the most common and has stricter requirements compared to federally insured mortgages. You typically need at least a score of 620 to qualify, so borrowers with a 704 should meet the credit requirement.

•   FHA loans: This government-backed home loan program has flexible credit requirements, but your score impacts the minimum down payment required. With a 704 credit score, you can make just a 3.5% down payment. Borrowers can still qualify with a score as low as 500, but will need to make a 10% down payment.

•   VA loans: This mortgage program is for veterans, military members, and surviving spouses. There is no specified credit minimum, but most lenders have a bottom threshold around 620, making it easy to qualify with a 704 score.

•   USDA loan: Like a VA loan, there are no specific credit score requirements for a USDA loan. However, eligible homes are restricted to designated rural areas and you must meet income requirements in order to qualify.

Can I Get a Personal Loan With a 704 Credit Score?

Whether you’re looking to consolidate credit card debt or fund a home renovation, a personal loan is likely within reach if you have a 704 credit score. Note that personal loans often come with cheaper rates than credit cards, especially if your score has recently improved.

As you weigh your financing options, use a personal loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments based on the loan amount, repayment term, and interest rate. If the rate is higher than you’d like, consider holding off on a formal application until your score has improved a bit.

The Takeaway

Wondering if a 704 credit score is good? In general, it is. With that score, you may get approved for most types of financing, including credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, and personal loans. Other financial factors, such as your income and debt-to-income ratio, could also impact a lender’s decision. If your score isn’t where you want it to be, consider taking steps to build it up. For example, be sure to consistently pay bills on time, avoid using too much of your available credit, and pay down balances on revolving 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.

By Susan Guillory

(Last Updated – 01/2025)

Total Cost of Attendance

Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Leigh University is known for being a well-respected private research facility with a low student-to-faculty ratio. Lehigh tuition is higher than most private four-year universities, at $62,180 per year (2023-24 cost). The national average for private school tuition is $41,540 per year.

Financial Aid

Many students don’t pay out of pocket for Lehigh tuition and fees. In fact, 71% of them receive student loans, grants, or scholarships. Get student loan and scholarship information so you can form a plan for how you’ll pay for college.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or non-profit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that stat, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

There are two options for student loans: federal and private. When it comes to federal student loans, 40% of Lehigh students took them out, while 14% opted for private student loans. The average private student loan per year is $14,148.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations. While federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The price to attend Lehigh University for four years, including Lehigh tuition, room and board, books, and other fees, is $324,600 (based on 2023-24 costs). This is higher than the average cost for private school tuition and room and board in the U.S. of $240,680 for four years, per CollegeData.com.

Here’s some Pennsylvania Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

In 2023-24, Lehigh students paid $62,180 for Lehigh tuition, plus $1,000 for books and supplies. Then there’s $16,470 for room and board, and $1,500 for miscellaneous expenses. That gives you a grand total of $75,820. The average for private universities in the U.S. is less, at $60,420 per year.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

In addition to undergraduate studies, Lehigh also offers graduate school, which costs $27,810 on average. This is higher than the average tuition for graduate school at a private institution in the United States of $15,100 per year. There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

If you’d prefer to attend Lehigh University part-time (fewer than 12 credit hours per semester), you would pay $2,660 per credit. You may also be eligible to take out student loans as a part-time student.

Campus Housing Expenses

*Starting studio rate based on available apartments on Rent.com in 2025.

All first- and second-year students at Lehigh University are required to live on campus. On-campus housing includes residence halls, suite and apartment style housing, and fraternity and sorority housing.

Lehigh has affiliate partners who offer off-campus housing to upperclassmen, and there are other options near campus including houses, duplexes, and apartments. Check out this resource to learn more about off-campus housing.

Lehigh University Acceptance Rate

When it comes to the Lehigh acceptance rate, 29% of students who apply are accepted.

Admission Requirements

Here’s what you need to be admitted to Lehigh as a first-year student:

Required:

•  Official high school transcript

•  Counselor recommendation

•  Teacher recommendation

•  Mid-year school report and transcript

•  Final school report and transcript

Recommended:

•  SAT or ACT scores

The deadline for Early Decision I is November 1, with a decision given in mid-December. The deadline for Early Decision II is January 1, with a decision in mid-February. The Regular Decision deadline is January 1, with a decision given in late March. You can apply to Lehigh University here .

SAT and ACT Scores

Lehigh University does not require ACT or SAT scores for the foreseeable future. Here are the average scores based on 25th and 75th percentiles for students enrolled in Fall 2023:

Popular Majors at Lehigh University

Lehigh University offers a wide selection of programs to study. Here are the most popular majors.

1. Finance

Lehigh offers two bachelor’s degrees in finance: a Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics degree with a major in Finance, and a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Business and Engineering degree with a major in Finance. Students will learn about accounting, corporate finance, and budgeting.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 166

2. Computer Science

There are three computer science degrees available to undergraduates in the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Business. Depending on the program, students can learn about management, data processing, information systems, or network security.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 143

3. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering students will get hands-on learning opportunities while studying engineering materials, product design and manufacturing, solid and fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics and control systems.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 72

4. Marketing

Marketing majors learn how to develop marketing communications campaigns, design and implement marketing research projects, and conduct customer analyses. There are opportunities for internships.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 52

5. Psychology

Lehigh’s psychology program offers courses in cognition and cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, social psychology, and clinical and behavioral health.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 51

6. Business & Managerial Economics

Business and economics majors at Lehigh gain valuable skills in decision-making, business communication, and leadership and management, as well as participate in a capstone course in their senior year.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 42

7. Chemical Engineering

Students in the chemical engineering program get the opportunity to work in top-notch labs on campus. They also learn about materials engineering, environmental engineering, polymer science and engineering, energy, and biotechnology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 42

8. Industrial Engineering

Students of this program learn problem-solving and analytical skills to design and improve processes, systems, products, and services. They learn ways to shorten lines at amusement parks, speed up global UPS delivery systems, optimize operating room processes, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 40

9. Bioengineering

This program blends engineering and physical sciences with biology and bioengineering applications. Graduates of this major go on to take positions in healthcare, biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, and other biotechnology industries.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 35

10. Political Science

This major focuses on studying the theories, processes, and institutions of government both in the U.S. and internationally, which helps students critically think about social and political problems.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 26

Learn more about the fields of study you can major in at Lehigh here .

Graduation Rate

Lehigh has a high graduation rate. Here is the percentage of students who graduated after starting their studies in 2017: 89%.

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

A degree from Lehigh can be valuable in the workplace. On average, Lehigh graduates earned $106,000 a year. The national average for the class of 2024 is $68,516.

By Jackie Lam

A 721 credit score is in the good range, which runs from 670 to 739. You’re 19 points from reaching very good credit terrain, and you’re about 50 points above the threshold for a fair score.

While a good credit score can grant you access to credit cards and loans, you’ll likely qualify for more favorable interest rates and terms with a very good or excellent score. Read on to learn more about your 721 credit score and what doors it will unlock.

What Does a 721 Credit Score Mean?

To offer a bit of context, consumer credit cards fall between 300 to 850. Just as with a grade on an exam or life points in a video game, the higher the number, the better. A higher score reflects that you have handled debt well in the past and therefore may be creditworthy going forward. And for lenders, the lower your score, the more risky you are in their eyes.

Typically, credit score ranges are as follows:

•   Poor: 300 to 579

•   Fair: 580 to 669

•   Good: 670 to 739

•   Very Good: 740 to 799

•   Excellent: 800 to 850

Currently, the average American’s credit score is 717, so you are currently doing a bit better with your three digits than most people.

Your FICO® Score (the most popular system of credit scoring) is made up of five main elements: payment history, credit usage, length of credit history, new credit and credit mix. (Incidentally, there are many credit scoring models, and they can be used for different purposes, such as for purchasing insurance, car loans, and mortgages.)

You can get a credit report from the three major credit bureaus: Experian®, Equifax®, and TransUnion®. A credit report is a compilation of data that includes your account history with your lines of credits and loans. This typically includes collections, personal information, public records and credit inquiries.

What Else Can You Get With a 721 Credit Score?

When you have a 721 FICO score, you can usually secure a mortgage, credit card, car loan, or personal loan. That said, you will likely not be able to access as large loan amounts, favorable interest rates, and other benefits as those who have built their credit scores higher.

While a credit score is one of the primary pieces of information that creditors and lenders pore over when determining whether to offer you financing, it’s not the only criteria. They will also usually look at your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio (meaning how what you owe compares to your earning power), income, and down payment (for car and home loans, that is). If it’s a secured loan, they’ll look at your collateral too.

Recommended: Secured Vs. Unsecured Personal Loans: What’s the Difference?

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 721 Credit Score?

With a 721 credit score under your belt, you’ll likely be able to choose a credit card among a variety of offers. A credit score of 670 or higher is usually needed to qualify for an unsecured credit card. Since your score is higher than that figure, you may find some attractive rewards are available. However, don’t expect to necessarily get approved for top-tier credit cards with robust benefits, like access to elite airport lounges. Premium cards are usually reserved for those with excellent credit, meaning 800 or higher (though some may accept 760 or higher).

Another thing to keep in mind: Having credit that’s in line with the minimum credit score requirements of the card issuer doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll secure that card. If you’ve had multiple credit card applications in the recent past (which can hurt your credit) or have lower income than what’s preferred, you might be denied a card.

See if you can get preapproved for a credit card online. Some card issuers also might clue you in on what interest rates and fees to expect. And if you’d like to reach for a card that requires very good or excellent credit, making on-time payments, keeping a low usage and not applying for loans or lines of credit needlessly can help you build your credit score.

Can I Get an Auto Loan With a 721 Credit Score?

The odds are in your favor of getting an auto loan with a 721 credit score. Per data compiled by Experian, in the second quarter of 2024, the average interest rate for someone with a credit score between 661 and 780 for a new car was 6.87% and, for a used car, 9.36%. For those with a score between 781 and 850, the interest rates fell to 5.25% and 7.13%. Curious about lower credit scores? The numbers shifted to 9.83% and 13.92% for those with scores between 601 and 660. Over the life of a loan, those variations can make a real difference in the total interest you’ll pay.

Your interest rate can also hinge on other factors like the type of car, the size of your down payment, and your DTI ratio and income.

When shopping around for a car, consider the total cost of the car, which includes the interest rate and any fees. When you drive the car off the lot, factor in gas, maintenance and repairs, monthly payments, depreciation, insurance, and title and registration fees. Per data gathered from AAA, in 2024 the average total cost to own and operate a vehicle was $12,297 or $1,024.71 each month.

Can I Get a Mortgage With a 721 Credit Score?

With a good credit score in hand, you likely won’t have a problem securing a mortgage. However, the minimum credit score and financial requirements depends on the type of loan you’re in the market for:

•   Conventional home loans: The most common type of mortgage in the U.S., conventional home loans are a type of mortgage that checks off the boxes of criteria set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They usually require a minimum credit score of at least 620.

•   Jumbo loans: Jumbo loans, which are mortgages that in 2025 cover home loans that are between $806,500 to $1,209,750, depending on your location, typically require a minimum credit score of at least 700.

•   FHA loans: For an FHA loan (which is insured by the Federal Housing Administration and can therefore offer you a better deal), borrowers can usually qualify with a 580 minimum credit score. You’ll need to have a 3.5% down payment.

•   VA loans: Interestingly, loans offered by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) don’t have credit score requirements. That said, lenders for VA loans usually like to see a credit score of at least 620. However, if you have a credit score that falls below 620, you may still qualify, depending on other factors such as your DTI.

•   USDA loans: To qualify for these loans, which are typically for properties in rural areas bought by low- to moderate-income buyers, you need a credit score that’s at least 640. Should your score dip below that, you’ll have to provide a full credit review.

Can I Get a Personal Loan With a 721 Credit Score?

One key benefit of a personal loan is its flexibility. These unsecured loans, which are usually fixed-rate and with a term from one to seven years, can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:

•   Financing a vacation

•   Funding a wedding

•   Paying for a big-ticket expense, such as a home improvement project or a major dental bill

You usually need a credit score of at least 580 to qualify for a personal loan. With a 721 FICO score, there’s a strong chance you’ll get a loan with higher loan amounts, more favorable interest rates, and more flexible terms than if you have a lower credit score.

If you’re mulling over whether to fund something with a personal loan or to put it on a credit card, personal loans on average have lower interest rates. According to data from the Federal Reserve, the average 24-month interest rate for personal loans was 12.33% in August of 2024, while the average interest rate for a credit card was 21.76%.

Trying to chip away at looming credit card debt? If so, a good credit score will put you in a good place with a credit card consolidation loan. You’ll likely secure a reasonable interest rate and fairly flexible terms. You can convert one or more lines of high-interest credit into a single installment loan, usually at a significantly lower interest rate, as noted above. Personal loans can offer a lump sum of anywhere from $1,000 to $50,000 or $100,000, depending on the lender and your qualifications.

If you aren’t sure what might be right for you, consider using an online personal loan calculator to see how different personal loan options might stack up.

Takeaway

A 721 credit score is considered good, and it’s higher than the current U.S. average credit score of 717. And while you shouldn’t have trouble landing good interest rates and flexible terms on credit cards and loans (such as home or personal loans), you may qualify for even better options if you build your score even higher.

If you need access to funds, think twice before breaking out your plastic.

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 Jamie Cattanach

A credit score of 598 doesn’t make the cut for good credit. Rather, it falls into the fair credit category, which means you would be considered a “subprime” borrower. It’s likely that you will pay higher interest rates than borrowers with higher credit scores, and you may also miss out on more favorable terms and perks.

Fortunately, if you have a credit score of 598, you can likely access some types of credit. You’ll also have plenty of room for improvement — and building a higher credit score is totally possible with perseverance and consistency. Here’s what you need to know.

What Does a 598 Credit Score Mean?

Credit scores are broken down into six different categories between the low end of 300 and the high end of 850. Here’s how they look according to the FICO® Score ranges:

•   300-579: Poor credit

•   580-669: Fair credit

•   670-739: Good credit

•   740-799: Very good credit

•   800 and above: Excellent or exceptional credit

The specifics of your credit score matter because those three digits reflect how well you have managed credit in the past, which predicts your ability to do so in the future. Lenders use your score to determine your creditworthiness when assessing your application for financial products like mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, and credit cards.

Even if your credit score and other financial factors are good enough for you to qualify, a higher credit score can help you achieve the best possible terms and conditions for your loan, including lower interest rates.

What Else Can You Get With a 598 Credit Score?

With a credit score toward the lower end of the fair category, you may face challenges getting approved for some types of loans — or you may only qualify for loans with high interest rates, which can be a weight on your overall finances. You may want to focus on building a higher credit score which can make it easier and less expensive to access installment loans and lines of credit in the future.

That said, there are some types of financial products you may be able to qualify for with a 598 credit score and beneficial ways to use those financial products to your overall financial advantage.

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 598 Credit Score?

You probably realize that life can be less convenient without a credit card. Many types of services, such as hotels and rental car companies, often require a card on file. They may place a security hold on an amount as well — which can lock up valuable funds if you’re using a debit card to make the reservation. Here’s what it takes to get a card:

•   Typically, credit card issuers look for a 670 credit score or higher among applicants for an unsecured card. But there are many credit cards on the market that are specifically designed for people with fair, poor, or even no credit at all. Major credit card issuers like MasterCard and Visa both offer options like this.

•   Secured credit cards are one good option if you’re having trouble qualifying for other types of credit cards. With a secured credit card, you’ll put down a cash deposit (which will often be the same amount as your credit limit). For example, if you secured your credit card with a $400 deposit, you’d have a $400 credit limit. If you build your credit score with on-time payments with a secured card, you may be able to move on to an unsecured credit card from the same issuer (or successfully apply for a separate one).

Can I Get an Auto Loan With a 598 Credit Score?

While there’s no specific minimum credit score to successfully apply for an auto loan, most lenders look for a credit score higher than 598 (often in the higher 600s). If you do qualify for an auto loan, you may be facing a high interest rate, which means you’ll pay a lot more for your car over time (as the asset itself depreciates).

For example, as of the end of 2024, the annual percentage rate (APR) for a loan for a new car to an applicant with a credit score of 781 or higher was 5.08% while the rate for those with a score between 501 and 600 was 13.00%. That higher interest rate could make a major difference in your budget.

Because of this dynamic, it may make more sense to wait until you build your credit score before applying for a car loan. Or if you have substantial savings, you may be able to pay for a good quality used car in cash.

Can I Get a Mortgage With a 598 Credit Score?

For a conventional home loan, you usually need a credit score of at least 620 to qualify, along with other factors like a low enough debt-to-income ratio (DTI) and sufficient, reliable income.

However, there are other types of mortgage loan programs, like FHA loans, which allow you to qualify with a lower credit score: 580 with a 3.5% down payment, or 500 with a down payment of 10%

Fortunately, even if you don’t meet the other eligibility criteria for an FHA loan, you’re only 22 points away from the credit score you need to qualify for most mortgages.

In addition, you might qualify for a VA or USDA mortgage, which can have more flexible requirements than conventional home loans.

Making on-time payments on all your existing debts each month can go a long way toward building your credit score. You might consider using autopay for your bills to make sure you don’t miss the due dates.

Also, paying down revolving balances can both have a positive impact on your credit history and free up extra money each month that could go toward your housing payment.

Can I Get a Personal Loan With a 598 Credit Score?

Personal loans are a type of unsecured loan that offers an up-front lump sum that can be used for just about any purpose you can think of. For instance, you might use a personal loan to:

•   Pay for family planning costs

•   Finance a wedding

•   Pay for a vacation

•   Take care of a major medical bill

•   Fund a home renovation project

One of the best ways to use a personal loan is to consolidate other debts, in which case it may be known as a debt consolidation loan. These allow you to transfer one or more revolving lines of credit into a single installment loan, typically at a significantly lower interest rate.

However, because personal loans aren’t secured by an asset like a house or a car, they tend to have more stringent qualification requirements than other types of loans. They often require a credit score of 660 or higher.

Fortunately, many personal loan lenders do consider and approve applicants with a fair credit score. However, you may end up with a very high interest rate — which could counteract the benefits of a personal loan for debt consolidation or another purpose, depending on your situation. Be sure to do the math ahead of time to understand how much you’ll spend over the lifetime of your loan. A personal loan calculator can help.

The Takeaway

A 598 credit score isn’t technically good; it falls into the fair category. That can make it challenging to access credit, and the options you have may carry less favorable interest rates and terms. To build a better score, making on-time monthly payments can go a long way toward improving your score, as can paying down existing debt balances before taking out more loans or lines of credit.

If you do build your score and want to investigate personal loan options, see what SoFi offers.

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

A 681 credit score falls into the good range, which runs from 670 to 739.

Think of a good credit score as your ticket to better financial opportunities. It can help you get approved for things like a car loan, a mortgage, or even a personal loan to renovate your dream kitchen. However, while a 681 credit score is considered good, it’s not in the “very good” or “exceptional” range, which may limit your access to the most competitive rates and financing terms.

Read on to dive into what a 681 credit score means when applying for a credit card, mortgage, auto loan, or personal loan.

What Does a 681 Credit Score Mean?

The higher your credit score, the more likely banks, lenders, and credit unions are to trust you. A good score reflects that you’ve managed credit responsibly in the past and are likely to do so again in the future. This, in turn, can make it easier to get loans or credit cards.

Your credit score is a three-digit number that comes from the information in your credit reports. You may actually have more than one score because there are different systems, such as FICO® vs. VantageScore, or a custom system from a lender. That’s why what one lender calls a “good” score might be different from another.

FICO Scores tend to be used by most lenders. Here’s how they break down:

•   Poor credit: 300-579

•   Fair credit: 580-669

•   Good credit: 670-739

•   Very good credit: 740-799

•   Exceptional credit: 800-850

A score of 681 probably means you have used credit responsibly but you may have had some glitches. For example, according to Experian®, 36% of people with a 681 score have a late payment (over 30 days past due) on their credit report. (As a point of reference, the average credit score in the U.S. is currently 717.)

A good credit score is enough for most lenders to approve you for an installment loan or line of credit. But keep in mind, you might not get the best rates or credit card perks that come with a higher score.

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What Else Can You Get with a 681 Credit Score?

Having a good credit score means there’s a strong chance you’ll qualify for a wide range of financial products like mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, and credit cards. Although a 681 credit score is above average, it’s not in the highest two credit score ranges (very good and excellent). This means some lenders might not offer you the best deals, such as the lowest interest rates or top rewards for a credit card.

That said, here’s what you might expect with a credit score of 681.

Can I Get a Credit Card with a 681 Credit Score?

You don’t need a specific credit score to get a credit card. Even with poor or fair credit, you can still qualify for certain cards. However, these often come with lower credit limits and higher interest rates. If your score is above 700, you’ll usually have access to an array of credit card options.

With a 681 credit score, you’ll likely have a number of credit cards to choose from, since you’ve shown you can handle credit responsibly. This could mean better interest rates, introductory offers, and rewards like airline miles you can put toward your next trip. You may also avoid paying an annual fee.

For the very best rates and rewards, though, a credit score above 740 is usually needed.

Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 681 Credit Score?

A 681 credit score will usually qualify you to get an auto loan. According to Experian, 67% of auto loans go to borrowers with credit scores of 661 or higher, so your score is in that range. At the end of 2024, the average credit score for a car loan for a new car was 755, and for a used car 694.

Auto lenders often work with a wide range of credit profiles, giving borrowers more options. You can explore offers from dealerships, banks, and local credit unions.

At the end of 2024, many car manufacturers were offering 0% financing deals for “well-qualified buyers.” Typically, “well-qualified” means having a very good credit score, usually between 740 and 799. With a 681 credit score, you might not qualify for these top deals, but you’ll still have other options.

Remember, if you want to find the best interest rate available to you, it’s a good idea to compare offers from multiple auto lenders. Building your credit score can also make a big difference, helping you qualify for lower rates and reducing your overall borrowing costs.

Can I Get a Mortgage with a 681 Credit Score?

The credit score you need for a mortgage typically depends on the type of loan you’re applying for.

•   For a conventional loan, you usually need a credit score of at least 620, though some lenders may prefer a score of 660 or higher.

•   For a jumbo loan, lenders typically require a score of 720 or higher.

•   FHA loans require a score of at least 500 if you can make a 10% down payment. If you want to avoid a large down payment, you’ll need a minimum score of 580.

•   For USDA loans, most lenders look for a credit score of 620 or higher.

•   Among other qualifications, VA loan lenders may accept credit scores as low as 500, but others may require a score of 600 or 620.

With a 681 credit score, you meet the requirements for most mortgage programs.

However, just qualifying doesn’t mean you’ll get the best rates or terms. Lenders typically reserve their lowest interest rates and best offers for people with very good or exceptional credit scores.

Also, remember that your credit score is just one piece of the mortgage approval equation for a home loan. Lenders also consider your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, income, employment history, and the size of your down payment when making their decision.

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 691 Credit Score?

Personal loans can be a good way to obtain a lump sum of cash with interest rates that are typically significantly less than what you’d pay if you used a credit card. The funds can be used to finance a wedding or pay a major dental bill.

Another popular use for personal loans is consolidating credit card debt, which can turn debt that’s a line of credit into an installment loan. As you think about whether a personal loan is right for you, it’s wise to remember that most loans are unsecured, meaning you don’t need collateral to borrow against. The repayment terms are usually between one and seven years, and the amounts can range up to $50,000 or even $100,000.

Typically, you’ll need a certain credit score for a personal loan: Most lenders usually want to see 610 or higher. A score of 700 or higher, though, can unlock more favorable rates and terms. It’s worth noting, however, that each lender has its own rules, so approval isn’t guaranteed everywhere. Income, job history, current debt, and other factors may play a role. If you want to build your credit score with the goal of qualifying for better offers, practicing habits like paying your bills on time and reducing credit card balances can have a positive impact.

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The Takeaway

A 681 credit score is considered a good score. It puts you in position to qualify for a variety of credit options with favorable rates and terms (though those with a very good or excellent score usually get the best offers). A 681 score should unlock such financial products as credit cards, mortgage and auto loans as well as personal loans.

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.