Financial Education

Understanding Your 685 Credit Score

A 685 credit score is good but has room for improvement. Increase it by paying off debts and making timely payments. Use debt repayment methods like the debt avalanche or snowball strategy.

A 685 credit score is considered a good score! Having good credit means that you aren’t seen as a risk when borrowing money, and you’ll likely have a lot of financial agency. Continue reading to learn more about the financial products and services a good credit score offers and tips to maintain your 685 credit score.

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Key Takeaways for a 685 Credit Score

Overview of Your Rating

A 685 credit score is a good credit score. Having this score isn't the worst place to be, but there is room for improvement.

Borrowing Options

You’ll have access to various loans and credit products with decent interest rates! This can be a huge benefit!

Improving Your Score

Maintaining a 685 credit score is possible; you must be extremely strategic and consistent with positive financial activity.

Is a 685 Credit Score Good?

As far as credit score ranges go, having your credit scores in this range is positive! And so, yes, a 685 credit score is considered good credit.

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

Check out some of our partners...

Explore financial products tailored for your current credit standing. These partners specialize in helping people rebuild.

Credit Builder Account

Build credit while saving money simultaneously.
No hard credit pull required to apply.
Reports to all three major credit bureaus.

Lease-to-Own Solution

Flexible lease purchase plans for essential items.
Simple process with instant decisions.
No credit required option available.

Personal Loans

Personal loans fall under installment loans and are great alternatives to payday loans. Personal loan options should be easy to get with a good score if you meet the income and other general requirements with loan approval.

Bank Loans

Bank loans are any loans that you can get from a bank. Usually, these lenders will have an average credit score requirement of at least a fair credit score, so with a 685 score, you should be in great shape. Here are some banks that you may be familiar with:

• Chase Bank

• Wells Fargo

• BMO

• Bank of America

Credit Cards

Here are some credit card options for borrowers who have a 685 credit score:

• Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card

• Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®

• Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®

Keep in mind each credit card has a different credit limit, and your specific credit limit will depend on factors like your income. Whatever you get, it’s important to be mindful of your credit card balance and make on-time payments for a positive payment history.
Woman reviewing her borrowing options at home
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How to Maintain Your 685 Credit Score

A 685 credit score is a great range to be in, and if you want to stay here or improve things, there are things you can do to get to a higher range.

Pay All Your Bills on Time

Payment history is the most impactful factor on your credit scores, regardless of what model you are looking at. And so, to improve or maintain your credit score, it is extremely important to make timely payments. Even a single missed payment can hurt your score and be a part of your credit history and credit reports for several years.

Keep Your Debt Low

Debt can impact several aspects of your credit score, from credit utilization ratio to your credit mix. And so, it is extremely important to keep your debt manageable and avoid acquiring unnecessary additions to your credit portfolio.

Stay Updated on Your Credit Reports

Your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus have your borrowing history. Sometimes, mistakes can happen in these reports, hurting your credit rating. It’s up to you to track any changes and mistakes and correct them so they don’t harm your credit. That’s why it is important to check your credit report (from each credit bureau) often.

You can get your free credit score and free credit report from each bureau annually. Here is their contact information:

Can I Buy a House With a 685 Credit Score?

Regarding the credit score requirement with a mortgage loan, a 685 credit score will be passable with most lenders. You typically need a score of 620 at minimum.¹ Whether or not you qualify for a home purchase will depend on various other factors like your income, the home’s value, your ability to pay your mortgage, and more!
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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