Financial Education

Understanding Your 642 Credit Score

A 642 credit score falls under a fair credit rating. This rating may make it difficult to get approved for some loans or credit cards. Improve it by paying off debts on time, avoiding unnecessary loans like payday loans, and keeping credit utilization at 30% or lower.

72% of Americans have a higher score than 642.¹

Curious about more of the details surrounding this score? Keep reading to learn more about a 642 credit score, along with tips to improve this kind of credit rating.

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Key Takeaways for a 642 Credit Score

Overview of Your Rating

A 642 credit score is a fair score. That means that you’ll be right in the middle with your finances. You will be seen as a moderate credit risk.

Borrowing Options

A fair credit score borrower will have a good amount of borrowing options to choose from, which can be very helpful!

Improving Your Score

With the right steps, consistency, and avoiding negative financial actions, improving a 642 is possible.

Is a 642 Credit Score Good?

A 642 isn’t considered good, but it also isn’t bad; it’s right in the middle. The good news is that borrowers who have this score don’t have to go too far to get a good score. Of course, how fast this can happen depends on your credit history.

Pro Tip: Many lenders look beyond just the score. Consistent income and recent payment history can still unlock opportunities.

US Population Credit Score Distribution
25
20
15
10
5
0
Poor
Fair
Good
Very Good
Exceptional
300-579
580-669
670-739
740-799
800-850

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Personal Loans

Personal loans are a top choice for borrowers and are usually very easy to find. The most common type of personal loan is an unsecured option, which is also usually an installment loan. Installment loans are repaid in steady monthly payments until the loan is paid off. When your credit scores are in the middle ground, personal loans from all kinds of lenders may be an option. So banks, credit unions, and online lenders may work.

Bank Loans

Bank loans may also be an option for borrowers who have fair credit scores. With banks, there may be several loan types available, both secured and unsecured loan options. In some cases, a 642 credit score, you may need a cosigner depending on the specific bank, your credit history, and income.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are pretty versatile when it comes to credit scores, simply because there are so many credit card options out there. With a credit score of 645, you’ll likely have a handful of credit card options to choose from. However, before deciding on a loan option, it’s important to do some research and compare interest rates and specific credit card terms. The thing about credit cards is that they can vary quite a bit in terms of costs, interest, rewards, and more.
Woman reviewing her borrowing options at home
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How To Improve Your 642 Credit Score

Not sure how to begin improving your credit? Here are some steps you can take:

Keep Your Credit Cards Open

Sometimes, when people pay off credit cards, they may want to close them. However, doing so can hurt your credit scores. This is because closing a credit card reduces your credit limit, which in turn can increase your credit utilization. And so whether it is a revolving loan or credit card that you paid off, it will be in your credit score’s best interest to keep those accounts active and open on your credit reports.

Pay Your Credit Accounts on Time

The most impactful thing you can do when trying to improve your credit is to make sure that you pay your credit accounts on time. When you make timely payments that will reflect positively on your credit report and credit history, over time, these payments can really add up and boost your credit score! So much so you end up with good or excellent credit scores.

Keep Your Credit Utilization Under 30%

Your credit utilization measures your available credit against your current debt. Keeping this ratio under 30% can be good for your credit score, while having it over that percentage can hurt it. A good place to start when trying to lower this rate is simply paying off debt.

Fix Errors on Your Credit Reports

Consumers have three credit reports, as there are three credit bureaus; Equifax, Experian, and Transunion. Sometimes errors can happen. When that does happen it’s up to the consumer to fix them. Otherwise, they will remain on your credit reports and can hurt your credit scores.

This is why monitoring your credit reports is important, and will often be advice for those looking to improve their credit scores. The good news is that the process of disputing errors can be pretty straightforward, it all begins with filling a dispute with the right bureau.

Below we’ve provided contact information for each that can help you get started:

Can I Buy a House With a 642 Credit Score?

A mortgage has several qualification steps, so even if you have a great credit score, it doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to buy a home. You’ll have to have enough income, have enough money for closing costs, get a home inspection, and much much more.

However, a good credit score will get you through the credit score qualification process with a mortgage. Fair credit may or may not be okay, depending on the lender you find. The best thing you can do before going into a mortgage is fix your credit score and overall finances.
Mortgage Type
Description
Credit Score Requirements
Key Features
FHA Loan
Insured by Federal Housing Administration.
As low as 500 with 10% down.
Lower down payment requirements.
VA Loans
Backed by Dept. of Veterans Affairs.
Typically 620 (varies by lender).
No down payment required; no PMI.
USDA Loans
For homebuyers in rural/suburban areas.
640 for automatic underwriting.
No down payment required.
Disclosure: This table provides estimates; requirements and features can vary by lender and situation.

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