By Jacqueline DeMarco

A 717 FICO® score is considered good and is currently the average credit score in the U.S. That means you should be able to access a variety of credit products, though not necessarily at the lowest-available interest rates.

A 717 score falls in FICO’s “good” range (670 to 739), which is smack dab in the middle of their five credit tiers — above Fair and Very Poor credit but below the Very Good and Exceptional categories. Here’s a look at what types of credit cards and loans you can get with a 717 score and how to make the most of your good credit.

What Does a 717 Credit Score Mean?

Your credit score is a number (typically between 300 and 850) designed to represent how likely you are to pay your bills on time. It’s based on information in your credit reports, including your payment history, how much of your available credit you’re using, types of credit accounts you have, and the length of your credit history.

A 717 credit score falls in the Good range of the FICO scoring model, the one most commonly used in the U.S. Here’s how FICO ranks credit scores:

•   300 to 579: Poor

•   580 to 669: Fair

•   670 to 739: Good

•   740 to 799: Very Good

•   800 to 850: Exceptional

While 717 is not in the Very Good or Exceptional range, it’s still a respectable score. It shows lenders that you’re a relatively low-risk borrower, which can make it easier to secure credit cards and loans, along with favorable interest rates. However, improving your credit profile can help you unlock more options, at more affordable lending terms.

A credit score of 717 can signify a relatively short credit history marked by good credit management. Or, it might indicate a longer credit history marred by a few missteps, such as a late payment here and there, or a tendency toward high credit usage.

💡 Quick Tip: Need help covering the cost of a wedding, honeymoon, or new baby? A SoFi personal loan can help you fund major life events — without the high interest rates of credit cards.

What Else Can You Get With a 717 Credit Score?

A 717 credit score opens up a variety of financial opportunities. Here’s a guide to what you can expect in different lending categories.

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 717 Credit Score?

A 717 credit score puts you in the path of a variety of credit card options. This includes credit cards that let you earn points, miles, or cash back on purchases. You might even be able to score a card with an introductory 0% annual percentage rate (APR) offer that can help you save on interest for a certain period of time.

However, premium credit cards with exclusive perks like travel benefits or concierge services will likely be out of reach if you have good, rather than very good or exceptional, credit. Plus, issuers may not offer you the very best rates.

Keep in mind, though, that your credit score is only one part of the picture. Lenders will generally consider other factors, such as your income and job status, when deciding whether or not to approve you for a credit card and at what rate. This means that two people with a 717 credit score applying for the same card might not both get approved, and if they do, their terms could be different.

Recommended: Using a Personal Loan to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

Can I Get an Auto Loan With a 717 Credit Score?

You can generally get a car loan with nearly any credit score, but with a 717 score, you have a good chance of getting approved by many auto lenders. A report by credit bureau Experian® found that roughly 71% of cars financed in the third quarter of 2024 were for borrowers with credit scores of 661 or higher.

Borrowers with good credit scores tend to qualify for interest rates that are significantly lower than those offered to borrowers with fair or poor credit. This can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. With merely good credit, however, a lender probably won’t offer you their top rates and terms.

To reduce the interest you pay on an auto loan, consider making a larger down payment. Borrowing less means you’ll pay less in interest over time. Plus, many lenders offer lower interest rates for larger down payments because it reduces their financial risk.

It’s also a good idea to shop around and compare offers from different lenders before finalizing a car financing deal. The rate offered by the dealer might be higher than what you could get at a bank, credit union, or online lender.

Can I Get a Mortgage With a 717 Credit Score?

A 717 credit score should give you relatively easy access to a mortgage. This score meets the minimum requirements for most conventional home loans. Conventional mortgages aren’t insured or guaranteed by a government agency but are backed by private lenders and are the most commonly used type of mortgage loan.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer or have a lower down payment, an FHA loan (a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration) could be an option. These loans often have more lenient credit requirements, so your 717 score is well above the minimum.

While you won’t necessarily be a candidate for the lowest available rates, a 717 credit score mortgage rate can be competitive. As of October 2024, the average interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage of $300,000 for buyers with a FICO between 660 and 670 was 6.563%.

Keep in mind that your credit score is one of many factors that can impact your eligibility for a home loan. Mortgage lenders will typically also consider your income, employment history, debt-to-income ratio, and down payment amount when evaluating your application.

💡 Quick Tip: In a climate where interest rates are rising, you’re likely better off with a fixed interest rate than a variable rate, even though the variable rate is initially lower. On the flip side, if rates are falling, you may be better off with a variable interest rate.

Can I Get a Personal Loan With a 717 Credit Score?

Personal loans are a versatile lending product, since you can use the funds for various purposes, such as consolidating high-interest debt, funding a major purchase, or covering unexpected expenses. Here’s what you can expect when applying for a personal loan with a 717 credit score:

•   Approval: Many lenders will approve personal loans for borrowers with a score in the good range.

•   Interest rates: Your interest rate may not be as low as rates available to those with very good or exceptional credit. However, you have a strong chance of securing a personal loan around the average rate of 12.29% (as of December 18, 2024), which is significantly lower than the average 20.35% rate for credit cards (as of the same date).

•   Loan amounts: Personal loans amounts generally range from $500 to $100,000. A 717 score gives you access to a wider range of loan amounts. However, your income and debt-to-income ratio will also play a significant role in determining the maximum loan amount.

To secure the best terms, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare offers from multiple lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders.

Recommended: Personal Loan Calculator

The Takeaway

A 717 credit score is a solid foundation for accessing various financial products and services. It indicates that you’re a responsible borrower and opens the door to many opportunities, including credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and personal loans. While it may not guarantee the very best terms, it’s still a strong score that lenders view favorably.

To make the most of your 717 credit score, consider the following tips:

•   Monitor your credit: It’s a good idea to regularly check your credit reports to ensure accuracy and identify areas for improvement.

•   Pay bills on time: Your payment history is a major factor in your credit score, so you’ll want to be sure that you always pay your bills by their due dates.

•   Keep credit utilization low: Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit to maintain or build your credit.

•   Limit hard inquiries: Applying for multiple credit products within a short period of time can temporarily lower your score.

By maintaining good credit habits, you can continue to build your good credit and unlock even more financial opportunities in the future.

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 Dan Miller

According to the FICO credit scoring model, a 614 credit score is considered “fair.” If you have this score, lenders may see you as a subprime borrower, though you should still be able to get approved for certain types of loans and credit cards.

Find out what a 614 credit score means for borrowers and the types of lending products they can access.

What Does a 614 Credit Score Mean?

A credit score is a three-digit number that’s calculated using information in your credit reports, such as your history of on-time payments, length of credit history, and how much available credit you’re using. Lenders use this number to determine how likely a borrower is to default on a loan. The higher your score, the more likely a lender is to approve you for personal loans or lines of credit.

There are several types of credit scores, but the one most widely used is the FICO Score. FICO scores range from 300 to 850 and are organized into the following tiers:

•   Poor: 300-579

•   Fair: 580-669

•   Good: 670-739

•   Very good: 740-799

•   Excellent: 800-850

As you can see, 614 falls within the “fair” category, which is one notch below “good.” It’s also well below the average American’s credit score of 717.

What Else Can You Get with a 614 Credit Score?

Here’s a look at how a 614 FICO score can affect your chances of getting different types of credit:

Can I Get a Credit Card with a 614 Credit Score?

While you probably won’t qualify for the best credit card offers with a 614 credit score, you may be approved for a traditional credit card or store credit card.

If you don’t qualify for a card — or can’t get one with the perks you want — then you may want to explore applying for a secured credit card. It works in the same way as an unsecured credit card except you could be required to put down a deposit equal to your credit limit.

Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 614 Credit Score?

Yes, it is possible to get an auto loan with a fair credit score, but you may be charged a higher interest rate or have to put down a higher down payment than prospective borrowers with better credit scores. Note that a 614 credit score car loan may not be offered by all lenders. Also, interest rates can vary by lender, so shop around for the best car loan terms.

Recommended: Smarter Ways to Get a Car Loan

Can I Get a Mortgage With a 614 Credit Score?

While you may not qualify for certain loans or programs, it is possible to get a mortgage with a 614 FICO score. An FHA loan, for example, has a minimum credit score of 500 with a 10% down payment.

If you’re able to build your credit score a bit and strengthen your finances, a conventional mortgage may be within reach. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require a minimum credit score of 620 for a fixed-rate mortgage. You’ll also need a down payment of at least 3% and have a low debt-to-income ratio.

Your lender may also have further restrictions or qualifications, possibly including additional fees, a higher down payment requirement, and/or higher interest rates.

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 614 Credit Score?

It is possible to get a personal loan or credit card consolidation loan with a credit score of 614, but as with other forms of lending, you’re likely to be charged a higher-than-average interest rate. You may also face less-attractive loan terms, including a shorter loan term or additional fees.

Use a personal loan calculator to see how different interest rates, loan amounts, and term lengths affect your possible monthly payment.

The Takeaway

Is 614 a good credit score? According to a widely used credit scoring model, it’s considered “fair,” or one notch below “good.” While the score could unlock certain lending products including credit cards, mortgages, and other types of loans, you may be charged a higher interest rate and have less-desirable terms than borrowers with better credit scores. If you can work on improving your credit score before applying to borrow money, you may find yourself in a better overall financial situation.

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 Dan Miller

An 808 credit score is a good credit score and more: It’s considered an exceptional or excellent score, which is the highest possible category. Typically, credit scores range from 300 to 850, so an 808 credit score is almost as high as it can get. An 808 credit score signifies that you have a long history of using credit responsibly, with little to no missed bill payments or bankruptcies.

What Does an 808 Credit Score Mean?

The most widely used credit scores are FICO® Scores, which were created by the Fair Isaac Corporation. Generally, credit scores range from 300 to 850, with higher numbers representing people with better credit.

FICO scores are organized into the following tiers:

•   Poor: 300–579

•   Fair: 580–669

•   Good: 670–739

•   Very Good: 740–799

•   Excellent (or Exceptional): 800–850

An 808 credit score is considered excellent, which means that you’re likely to be approved for a mortgage, personal loan, or most other forms of credit at favorable rates.

Recommended: How to Apply for a Personal Loan

What Else Can You Get With an 808 Credit Score?

A credit score of 808 is considered excellent, which should put you in a very good position for all different types of credit. About 21% of Americans have a score over 800; the average credit score in America is 717.

Having a score of 808 indicates that you’ve handled credit responsibly in the past. Lenders therefore will likely view you as a good candidate for loans and lines of credit.

Here is a quick look at what you might be able to get with an 808 credit score:

Can I Get a Credit Card With an 808 Credit Score?

It is very likely that you will be able to be approved for a credit card with a credit score of 808. An 808 credit score is considered to be in the “excellent” range, so you are likely to be able to access top-notch offers. This may mean cards with a very favorable interest rate and a robust array of credit card perks, such as cash back and travel benefits.

In fact, depending on your spending habits and your preferences, you might be offered one of the ultra-premium black credit cards on the market.

(If you already have one or more credit cards, you’re also in good shape to be approved for a credit card consolidation loan. This could allow you to bundle debt into one installment loan, for easier bill paying and potentially a lower interest rate.)

Can I Get an Auto Loan With an 808 Credit Score?

Yes, you are likely to be approved for an auto loan with an 808 FICO score. As noted, an 808 score is in the excellent range of credit scores. Lenders will probably see you as highly creditworthy, which means that you are in a good position to be approved for an auto loan or any other type of credit. What’s more, you will probably be offered the most favorable rates and terms.

An example:

•   As of the third quarter of 2024, a person with a credit score between 601 and 660 would be charged, on average, an annual percentage rate (APR) of 9.73%.

•   However, a person with a score of 781-850 would be assessed, on average, a 5.08% APR, meaning a significantly lower amount of interest would be due over the life of the loan.

Keep in mind, though, that just like with credit cards and other forms of credit, lenders will also usually be looking at your income and other financial information before approving you for a loan. So even if you have an excellent score like an 808 FICO credit score, you may not be approved if you have insufficient income or fall short in other criteria.

Can I Get a Mortgage With an 808 Credit Score?

A FICO score of 808 usually puts you in a good position to be approved for a mortgage. If you are approved for a mortgage with a credit score that high, you’re also likely to qualify for a good mortgage rate. Many mortgage lenders have different rates for customers with different credit scores, so having an excellent credit score will help you get the best mortgage rates available.

A home mortgage is one of the most complicated types of loans, and the exact rates and terms that you get depend on many disparate factors. While having an excellent credit score like an 808 puts you in a good position, you’ll also need to make sure to have other positive indicators.

These may include an income that supports your monthly payment, a sufficient down payment, and a home whose value is high enough to qualify for the loan amount.

A high credit score can be an asset when seeking a mortgage in another way. If you are applying for a jumbo mortgage vs. a conforming loan, that means you are seeking to access a higher amount of funding. Currently, that means a loan of $806,500 or higher for most areas of the U.S. These loans usually get approved for people with scores over 700, with 740 being the average to qualify.

Can I Get a Personal Loan With an 808 Credit Score?

Like other types of loans, an 808 credit score puts you in a good position to be approved for a personal loan. Additionally, many lenders give lower rates to people with higher credit scores.

Given the flexibility of personal loans (you can use them for almost any purpose you can think of, from funding a vacation to paying off a large medical bill), this can be a good option for accessing cash for many people.

You can use our personal loan calculator to determine how likely you are to be approved for a loan and what terms you might expect.

Recommended: Typical Personal Loan Requirements Needed for Approval

The Takeaway

An 808 credit score is considered in the excellent range, which puts it above a good score. A score of 808 is in the highest possible range and reflects that a person manages credit well. Having a credit score of 808 will help put you in a good position to be approved for mortgages, personal loans, credit cards, and other types of credit, typically with the most favorable rates and terms.

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

An 807 credit score is better than good. If you have a credit score of 807, congratulations are in order: Your credit score is in the highest tier possible, which is known as excellent or exceptional.

Having a high credit score can unlock many doors in the world of loans and lines of credit. You are likely to receive the most favorable interest rates, terms, and perks.

What Does an 807 Credit Score Mean?

An 807 credit score is in the highest possible range on most credit-scoring systems, like the FICO® Score scale. Before delving into more detail on that, consider what credit scores are.

Credit scores are three-digit numbers that are used by lenders to quickly assess your riskiness as a potential borrower. They’re based on the following factors:

•   Payment history, which accounts for 35% of your score, tracks how often you’ve paid your existing debts on time.

•   Amounts owed, which accounts for 30% or your score, tracks how much of your available credit you’re using. (This is also known as a utilization ratio.)

•   Length of credit history, which accounts for 15% of your score, refers to the overall age of your credit accounts, with a longer lifespan counting toward a higher score.

•   Credit mix, which accounts for 10% of your score, refers to the number of different types of credit (such as installment loans, credit cards, and mortgages) you have on your credit profile. A more diverse mix counts toward a higher score.

•   New credit, which also accounts for 10% of your score, refers to how many new credit accounts you’ve opened in a short amount of time. Having too many hard inquiries or new credit accounts on your report can decrease your score.

From these factors, credit scores are ranked from 300 (the lowest/poorest) to 850 (the highest/best). Scores are typically further broken down into the following credit rating scale:

•   Poor credit: 300–579

•   Fair credit: 580–669

•   Good credit: 670–739

•   Very good credit: 740–799

•   Excellent credit: 800–850

As you can see, a score of 807 puts you in the excellent category (sometimes called exceptional), which is the highest. With excellent credit, you can enjoy a high likelihood of success when applying for various types of loan products, along with the lowest interest rates available.

A little more information about how your three digits compare: About 21% of Americans have a credit score over 800, and the average credit score in U.S. is currently 717.

What Else Can You Get with an 807 Credit Score?

With an 807 credit score, you will probably have a high likelihood of being approved for installment loans and lines of credit. You may also snag the most favorable rates and terms. Credit cards may be available with a rich array of benefits.

But, before going into more detail about that, it’s worth noting that lenders may look at other factors as well. For instance, such attributes as your income, job history, and your debt-to-income ratio (how much you owe vs. your earning power) may matter, too.

Can I Get a Credit Card with an 807 Credit Score?

Short answer: Yes. If you have a credit score of 807, you’re probably a great candidate for many credit cards. Usually, a credit score of at least 670 is needed to qualify for an unsecured credit card. Since an 807 score is so much higher, you might be a good candidate for cards with low interest rates and top-notch perks, such as extensive travel benefits, cash back, and more.

Of course, just because you can get a credit card doesn’t necessarily mean you should — at least without proper research and an understanding of how to use credit cards responsibly. Swiping is all too easy, and many people wind up buying more on credit than they can afford to repay in cash, leading to a revolving balance that can come with high interest rates and the potential to ding your credit score.

For best results, pay off your entire credit card bill each and every month on or before the due date. That way, you’ll enjoy the benefits of the card without ever paying interest. (If your credit card balances do get higher than you’d like, you might consider a credit card consolidation loan, which combines multiple balances into a single installment loan, typically at a significantly lower interest rate.)

Can I Get an Auto Loan with an 807 Credit Score?

With a credit score of 807, you’re in fine shape to qualify for an auto loan. You can actually often get a car loan with a much lower credit score, but your interest rate will probably be much higher. For instance, with a credit score of 720 to 850, you might pay an interest rate of 7.062% according to Experian® as of late 2024. If your score is 590-619, that figure jumps to 16.32%. That will make a considerable difference in your monthly payments and the amount of interest you pay over the life of the loan.

Also, while you’ll probably qualify for a car loan, remember that getting an auto loan has you paying interest on a depreciating asset. You’ll likely end up paying far more over the lifetime of the loan than the car’s initial value, let alone its value five or ten years down the line.

Saving up a substantial down payment for the vehicle can reduce the amount of the loan, which can help decrease the total amount you’ll pay in interest over the loan’s lifetime.

You might also consider buying a high-quality used car in cash, if you have enough money in savings to do so without dipping into your emergency fund.

Recommended: How to Apply for a Personal Loan

Can I Get a Mortgage with an 807 Credit Score?

Ready to become a homeowner? People getting ready to take out a mortgage often talk about “getting their ducks in a row,” and if you have a credit score of 807, congratulations: That’s one duck taken care of. In other words, an 807 FICO score is likely to qualify you for a mortgage. Typically, for a conforming loan, you need a score of 620 or higher.

With a score of 807, you are well-positioned to qualify for favorable interest rates for a conventional mortgage as well as for a jumbo loan, which means the principal is for a higher amount. Lenders usually look for a credit score of 720 or higher for a jumbo loan.

Still, there are other considerations that your mortgage lender will look into when qualifying you for a loan. For example, your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI, is a measure of how much you owe each month in existing debt payments versus your gross income. Generally, mortgage lenders will want to see a DTI of 36% or less (some, however, will accept up to 43% or even higher).

The underwriting process will also include a review of your employment history and existing assets, so when it comes to buying a house, it’s not just about building a strong credit score.

Can I Get a Personal Loan With an 807 Credit Score?

Personal loans are one of the most flexible financial products on the market. If you successfully apply, you can use the funds for just about anything you want. What’s more, they typically have a significantly lower interest rate than, say, charging something with your credit card.

Among the uses of personal loans can be:

•   Funding a wedding

•   Paying for family planning costs

•   Financing a vacation

•   Taking care of a major medical bill

•   Paying for a home renovation

Because they’re not secured by collateral (like a house for a mortgage or a car for an auto loan), personal loans tend to have more stringent qualification requirements. However, with a credit score of 807, you should be in good shape to qualify, provided you also have a steady, reliable income and a low enough level of existing debt. Usually lenders like to see a credit score of at least 580 to qualify for a personal loan. With your score, you may unlock the most favorable interest rates and terms.

A personal loan calculator can help you understand how much you’ll pay in interest over the entire lifetime of the loan. Be sure to look for one that allows you to make early repayments or additional principal payments without penalty.

The Takeaway

A credit score of 807 is not just good, it’s excellent. It falls into the highest possible range of credit score. Such a lofty score should help you qualify for credit, such as lines of credit and installment loans, with favorable interest rates and terms.

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 Bob Haegele

A 712 credit score is considered “good” in the FICO® scoring system, and is close to the average credit score of 717. With this score, lenders and creditors will generally view you as an “acceptable” borrower and may offer you a range of lending products, though not necessarily at their best-available rates and terms. Here’s a closer look at what types of credit cards and loans you can get with a 712 score.

What Does a 712 Credit Score Mean?

Your credit score is a numerical representation of how likely you are to repay a loan or line of credit. It’s calculated using information found in your credit reports, including your history of on-time bill payments, how much of your available credit you’re using, the types of credit accounts you have, and the length of your credit history.

You actually have multiple credit scores, not just one. This is because credit scores can be calculated using different credit reports (we each have three) and different scoring models, such as FICO, VantageScore®, or a lender’s own proprietary algorithm.

According to the FICO scoring model, which is the one most widely used by lenders, a 712 credit score lands in the “good” tier. Here’s a look at exactly where your score falls on the FICO rating system:

•   300 to 579: Poor

•   580 to 669: Fair

•   670 to 739: Good

•   740 to 799: Very Good

•   800 to 850: Exceptional

Lenders consider 712 to be an average credit score that shows you typically pay your bills on time. This score can open doors to a range of credit and loan products, including credit cards, mortgages, and personal loans, often at competitive rates. However, you probably won’t qualify for a lender’s best rates or a bank’s top tier credit cards, which are generally reserved for those with “very good” or “exceptional” credit.

You may have a 712 score due to a limited credit history, the occasional late or missed payment, or a tendency towards high credit usage. Late payments (defined as 30 days past due) appear in the credit reports of 29% of people with 712 FICO scores, according to credit bureau Experian®.

To better understand your credit position, and get an idea of what lenders may see when you apply for credit, it’s a good idea to read through your credit reports. You can get a free copy of your credit report from the three major credit reporting agencies by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.

What Else Can You Get With a 712 Credit Score?

A 712 credit score qualifies you for a variety of financial products and benefits. While it’s not the highest tier, it’s strong enough to access competitive rates and terms on loans, credit cards, and other financial services.

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 712 Credit Score?

A 712 credit score can give you access to a range of credit cards, including rewards, cash back, and no-annual-fee cards. You might also be able to qualify for a card with a 0% introductory interest rate on purchases or balance transfers. However, with “good” rather than “very good” or “exceptional” credit, card issuers may not offer you their top rewards and loyalty bonuses or their very best annual percentage rates (APRs).

Keep in mind that whether you get approved for a card, and at what rate, will depend on more than your credit score. Card issuers will also look at your income, employment history, and current level of debt. As a result, two people with the same credit score may not get approved for the same card or the same APR.

Recommended: Using a Personal Loan to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

Can I Get an Auto Loan With a 712 Credit Score?

A 712 credit score positions you well for securing an auto loan. Lenders generally categorize borrowers with scores above 700 as low-risk, leading to lower interest rates and more favorable loan terms. Depending on the lender and the amount borrowed, you can expect rates significantly better than those offered to individuals with fair or poor credit.

According to a third-quarter of 2024 report from Experian, the average interest rate for a car loan for borrowers with scores between 661 and 780 was 6.70% for a new car loan and 9.63% for a used card loan. For borrowers with scores between 601 and 660, the average rates were significantly higher — 9.73% for a new car loan and 14.07% for a used car loan.

To get the best possible 712 credit score auto loan interest rate, take some time to shop around for a car loan. The rate offered by a car dealership may be higher than what you could get from a bank, credit union, or online lender.

Can I Get a Mortgage With a 712 Credit Score?

A 712 credit score puts you in the path of most mortgage options. This includes a conventional mortgage, which is the most commonly used type of home mortgage. Available through private lenders, conventional mortgages offer competitive interest rates and flexible terms, making them attractive to buyers who meet the qualification criteria.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer or don’t have much savings for a down payment, an FHA loan (a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration) could be worth exploring. These loans often have more lenient credit requirements, and your 717 score is well above the minimum. However, FHA loans require you to pay mortgage insurance premiums, which add to your borrowing costs.

Keep in mind that your credit score is only one piece of the puzzle when you apply for a mortgage. Lenders will typically also look at your income, employment history, debt-to-income ratio, and down payment amount when evaluating your application.

Can I Get a Personal Loan With a 712 Credit Score?

Personal loans are also within reach with a 712 credit score. Whether you’re consolidating debt, financing a large purchase, or covering emergency expenses, lenders will likely see you as a reliable borrower. You can expect interest rates and loan terms to be better than average, though not necessarily the best available.

For the best results, consider:

•   Shopping around for lenders who cater to good credit borrowers. Prequalification can give you an idea of the rates and terms you will qualify for without negatively impacting your credit.

•   Using a personal loan calculator to see how much you can save by using a personal loan to pay off high-interest debt.

•   Being cautious about borrowing more than you need, as this can impact your chances of approval as well as your interest rate.

The Takeaway

A credit score of 712 is a solid foundation for accessing a variety of financial products and achieving your goals. It places you in the “good” credit category, enabling you to secure favorable terms on credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and personal loans.

But while a 712 score is good, there is still some room for improvement. Maintaining responsible financial habits — like paying bills on time, staying well below your credit limits, and having a mix of credit types in your file — can help you access more borrowing opportunities, at even more affordable rates, in the future.

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.