Most credit reporting models will label a 699 credit score as “good” credit.
Consumers with this score are actually towards the top of the good credit range, with the “very good” credit score tier just 40 points away!
According to one of the main three credit bureaus, Experian, 21% of consumers in America have credit scores in the “good” credit range.1 In general, credit score ranges are categorized in the following way:
- 800 – 850: Excellent credit score
- 740 – 799: Very good credit score
- 670 – 739: Good or average credit score
- 580 – 669: Fair credit score
- 300 – 579: Poor credit score
Here, you’ll learn all about the pros and cons of having a credit score of 699, as well as what you can do to maintain and even improve this kind of score.
Key Takeaways for a 699 Credit Score
Overview of Your
Credit Rating
699 is towards the top of the “good” credit score range, just about 40 points away from the “very good” credit tier!
Borrowing Options With a
699 Credit Score
Most loan and credit card options should be available, but interest rates and terms may vary.
Improving a 699
Credit/FICO Score
Stay on top of your due payments, watch your credit utilization, avoid acquiring new debts, and maybe consider diversifying your credit mix!
Is a 699 Credit Score Good?
Yes! Consumers with FICO credit scores of 699 are said to have “good” credit” In fact, everyone with a credit score between 670 and 739 falls into the “good” credit score range.
What Can You Get Approved for With a 699 Credit Score?
With a good FICO credit score you may be able to get approval for a variety of loans and lines of credit. However, interest rates, terms, and other financing details may vary depending on your income, additional assets, and other aspects of your credit history. Before applying for any type of loan, it’s essential to research your options and compare offers. Below is more information on some of the most popular financing options for people with a good or average credit score.Personal Loans
A personal loan is funding consumers can use for a wide variety of expenses. Personal installment loans can come with either high or low loan amounts so that they can be customized for just about any expense or purchase. Some common uses for personal loans include debt consolidation, car maintenance, emergency financing, or home repairs.Bank Loans vs. Credit Unions
Consumers can also access personal installment loans from a bank or credit union. Bank loans are designed for consumers with an excellent credit history, while consumers with an average or poor credit score may want to look into credit unions for loans instead of a bank.Credit Cards
Credit cards are a revolving line of credit consumers can use to pay for just about any expense. Unlike a loan, consumers have access to a renewed credit limit at the start of each billing period without having to re-apply for funding. However, it’s extremely easy to rack up credit card debt when you are constantly spending your total credit limit and only contributing minimum monthly payments. So, it’s important to pay off your total balance as often as you can if you want to use your credit card responsibly.Car Loans
Auto loans are a type of installment loan designed to help consumers purchase a vehicle. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, there are currently 2.3 million outstanding auto loans in the U.S.2 Consumers can use an auto loan to purchase a new or used vehicle, but used vehicles may come with lower interest rates due to the decreased price. If you are worried about getting a good deal on your auto loan, you can use a co-signer or contribute a larger down payment.Payday Advances
In dire financial emergencies, you may consider getting cash advance loans such as payday loans. While these types of quick cash loans can be convenient, it’s also important to repay the balance in full ASAP to avoid the crazy interest rates these loans often come with.
Products to Help Maintain a 699 Credit Score
Ready to go from a good credit score to a great one? Credit monitoring and budgeting apps can help you get there!
Credit Report Monitoring
There are some free credit monitoring services, like CreditWise® from Capital One and Experian free credit monitoring, as well as services you can pay for. Typically, paid credit report monitoring services offer extra perks like monitoring from all three credit bureaus and insurance for identity theft. A few paid credit surveillance programs you may consider are:
- FICO® Advanced
- IdentityForce®
- Experian IdentityWorks℠
- Privacy Guard™
Budgeting Apps
Prioritizing your budget and various payments is critical to maintaining your credit and even progressing to better credit score ranges. With the help of a budgeting app, you can easily manage your finances, spending, and payments all in one place. A few popular apps include the following:
- PocketGuard: Good for tracking spending habits
- YNAB (You Need a Budget): Easy-to-use format
- EveryDollar: Best for finance organizing and implementing budgeting methods like zero-based budgeting
- GoodBudget: Ideal for digital cash stuffing
- Honeydue: Great for couples or those splitting expenses with another person
- Wally: Available throughout the world
If you don’t want to download yet another app on your phone, you can also implement some of these budgeting strategies without needing your phone or computer!
- 50/30/20
- Envelope system/cash stuffing
- Pay yourself first method
- Zero-based budgeting
Benefits of a 699 Credit Score
While having a good credit score is great and can come with tons of benefits, those benefits will only get better as you progress to higher credit score ranges. Some advantages to having a very good credit score are:
- Faster loan approval
- Approval for more types of financial products
- Better interest rates and repayment terms
- Higher credit limit on credit cards
- Special perks and rates on auto and health insurance
How to Maintain Your 699 Score
Mind Your Payment History
Making on-time payments is perhaps the most important thing you can do to maintain or improve your credit scores. Helpful tools like autopay can help consumers avoid late payments and maintain a pristine payment history!
Monitor Your Credit History
Don’t just leave it to the credit monitoring services to keep tabs on your credit reports. Consumers should keep an eye on their own credit reports to see how their spending and financial habits are affecting their overall credit history. While consumers typically have access to a free credit report from each major credit bureau at least once a year, it’s probably a good idea to check your credit reports more often than that.
Keep Credit Accounts Open
Keep your credit accounts, like credit cards, open, even if you don’t use them regularly. You’ll benefit from having a longer credit history and keep your credit utilization rate intact!
FAQs About 699 Credit Scores
How do 699 credit scores affect my ability to lease a vehicle?
699 credit scores will generally qualify you for vehicle leasing, as it’s considered “good.” Terms may vary, so it’s beneficial to compare offers from different dealerships.
Can a credit score of 699 impact my eligibility for premium credit cards with rewards?
With a 699 score, you may qualify for some premium credit cards offering rewards. However, the most exclusive cards often require higher scores. Check each card’s requirements before applying.
Does having a credit score of 699 affect my ability to negotiate interest rates on existing credit accounts?
With a credit score of 699, you’re in a good position to negotiate lower interest rates on existing credit cards or loans. It’s not guaranteed, but lenders may be willing to adjust your rates to retain you as a customer, especially if you have a history of o
How does a "fair credit score" impact financial opportunities compared to having an "average FICO Score" like 699?
Holding a fair credit score versus an average score of around 699 can significantly impact your access to financial products and the terms you receive. With fair credit scores, you might face higher interest rates and more restrictive loan terms, reflecting lenders’ perceived risk. In contrast, average credit scores nearing 699 opens the door to more competitive rates, a broader array of credit card offers, and potentially lower insurance premiums. This difference underscores the importance of improving credit scores from fair to average to enhance your financial opportunities and reduce borrowing costs.
What Interest Rate Can I Get With a 699 Credit Score?
With good credit, you should qualify for decent interest rates on most loans and credit cards. Below are some different types of interest rates you may come across when researching different loan and credit options.
Interest Rate Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
Simple Interest | Interest on the principal amount only. | Easy to calculate; predictable. | More expensive over the long term compared to compound interest. |
Compound Interest | Interest on principal and accumulated interest. | “Interest on interest” grows savings faster. | Can significantly increase loan costs over time. |
Fixed Interest | The rate remains constant over the loan term. | Stable, predictable payments. | Could be higher than variable rates if market rates decrease. |
Variable Interest | Rate changes with market conditions. | Can decrease if market rates fall. | Payment amounts vary, harder to budget. |
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) | Reflects total borrowing cost per year, including fees. | Offers a complete cost picture. | Can be higher than the nominal interest rate due to additional charges. |
Discounted Interest Rate | Lower rate for an initial period. | Lower payments initially. | Rate and payments increase after the introductory period. |
Disclaimer: This chart provides a simplified overview of various types of interest rates and their general characteristics. It’s important to consult with a financial advisor or lender for specific advice and information tailored to your personal financial situation and the current market conditions.
Can I Buy a House With a 699 Credit Score?
Securing a mortgage is one of the most in-depth financial processes out there. With a good credit score, you will still have to search around and compare offers to make sure you get the best deal on a mortgage.
Other factors besides credit scores that lenders will consider for mortgage loan approval are:
- Debt-to-income ratio/credit utilization rate
- Down payment
- Work history
- Condition and value of the home
