710 is considered to be a good credit score by most financial institutions.
According to FICO, a “good” credit score is anything that falls between 670 and 739.
If you wonder, “Why does my credit score matter?” keep reading to understand how your credit score directly affects your financing options and terms.
Key Takeaways for a 710 Credit Score
Overview of Your
Credit Rating
A 710 credit score is “good” and only 8 points away from the national average.
Borrowing Options With a
710 Credit Score
Consumers with good credit are eligible for most financial products.
Improving a 710
Credit/FICO Score
You can maintain a good credit history by limiting new credit inquiries and paying on time.
Is a 710 Credit Score Good?
A 710 score is on the higher end of the “good” range. Good credit indicates that you are financially responsible and capable of managing different types of personal debt. By continuing to manage your finances successfully, you can obtain a “very good” credit rating, which may yield even better benefits.
What Can You Get Approved for With a 710 Credit Score?
Consumers with good credit score ranges can generally expect to get approved for these loan options:
Personal Loans
Consumers with good credit scores typically have no issues qualifying for personal loans. A personal loan can provide quick cash for different types of emergencies. Inquire with multiple online lenders to find the best loan offer for your financial situation.
Bank Loans
Bank loans generally require good or excellent credit scores for funding. If you have a good credit rating, you may qualify for all types of bank loans, such as home equity loans, fixed-rate loans, or student loans. But remember that the approval process varies depending on the type of loan you want.
Credit Cards
Credit card companies typically require good credit for credit accounts. Since you have a decent credit history, you may have no issues getting approved for a high credit limit with a low annual percentage rate (APR). According to the Los Angeles Times, a good credit card APR is around 22%.¹
These are some of the best credit cards for good credit scores:
- Discover it® Chrome
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Car Loans
If you have a good credit score, you may be eligible for a car loan. Eligibility for auto loans usually depends on a borrower’s recurring income, down payment, and creditworthiness. Good credit can help you secure decent rates on new or used vehicles.
Products To Help Maintain a 710 Credit Score
Here are some products that can help you maintain good credit scores:
Credit Monitoring
Monitoring your credit score can help you keep track of your finances. Significant credit score decreases may be a sign that you need to reduce your credit card debt or identify errors on your credit report. Borrowers can typically view their credit scores on their monthly loan or credit card statements.
Budgeting Apps
A budgeting app on your smartphone could help you maintain your current credit score. Budgeting apps allow you to track expenses, pay bills, set financial goals, and much more. YNAB (You Need a Budget) is a popular budgeting app for both new and experienced budgeters.
Automatic Payments
Most financial institutions offer a feature called autopay. Opting in for autopay allows the financial institution to automatically charge your card on file on your due date. Signing up for autopay can help you avoid accidentally forgetting a due date and negatively affecting your payment history.
Benefits of a 710 Credit Score
These are the benefits of a good FICO Score:
Good Rates
Good or excellent credit scores can help borrowers obtain low rates that save them a lot of money. Lenders use interest rates to offset the risk of default. As someone with good credit, you are considered a low risk borrower and may get the best rates on installment loans and credit cards.
Credit Card Rewards
The best credit card rewards are generally reserved for borrowers who have good credit. Rewards cards allow cardholders to earn rewards, such as redeemable points, cash back, or travel miles, from everyday purchases.
Better Housing Options
A high credit score can make it easier for you to get approved for your dream apartment. Most landlords require an application fee these days. Most rental application fees are between $35 and $75 per person, but you can save money knowing you are likely to get approved with good credit.²
How To Maintain Your 710 Credit Score
You can maintain your 710 FICO Score by following these helpful tips:
Limit Your Credit Inquiries
Submitting too many loan or credit applications within a short period can cause a few points to drop from your current credit score. Unless you need emergency funding or a better rate, consider avoiding applying for new credit accounts.
Avoid Late Payments
Late payments will result in late fees, which can increase if you continuously miss payments. And if a payment is 30 days late, it can show up on your credit report and damage your FICO Score.
Reduce Your Credit Usage
Using too much credit can decrease FICO Scores. If you want to maintain and work on improving your current score, keep your credit card balances low. Using too much credit will increase your credit utilization rate, which directly affects your credit scores.
FAQs About 710 Credit Scores
How does the age of my credit accounts affect my credit score?
The average age of your accounts is a key component of your credit profile. Lenders view a longer credit history as evidence of stable financial behavior. Maintaining or opening accounts that can age well could positively impact your score over time.
Can improving my credit mix help boost my credit score?
Absolutely! Your credit mix refers to the variety of financial accounts you have, including credit cards, loans, mortgages, and more. If your financial profile mainly consists of one type of credit, diversifying it can positively influence your score. However, it’s important to only take on new credit if you can manage it effectively.
Will seeking credit counseling affect my good credit score?
Seeking credit counseling itself does not affect your credit score. Credit counselors can offer advice on managing your finances, consolidating debt, and improving your financial profile. However, if you enter a debt management plan, your accounts may be closed or noted as being paid through the plan, which could have a short-term negative impact.
What Interest Rate Can I Get With a 710 Credit Score?
You may be able to get decent interest rates with a 710 score. A good credit rating signifies to lenders that you are low risk, which can help you secure low rates that reduce your interest fees.
Can I Buy a House With a 710 Credit Score?
Borrowers with good credit and sufficient income are likely to qualify for a mortgage loan. There are two types of mortgages: conventional and non-conventional.
If you have good credit, you may qualify for a conventional mortgage. These home loans follow guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and offer a wide variety of benefits.
Benefit | Description |
Wider Availability | Conventional loans are offered by nearly all banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders, providing borrowers with a wide range of options. |
Flexible Terms | They come with various term lengths, such as 10, 15, 20, or 30 years, allowing borrowers to choose a term that best fits their financial situation. |
Competitive Interest Rates | Borrowers with good credit scores can qualify for competitive interest rates, potentially saving thousands over the life of the loan. |
Lower Cost with PMI | Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required with less than 20% down, but it can be removed once the loan balance falls below 80% of the home’s value, unlike FHA loans where mortgage insurance is typically for the life of the loan. |
No Funding Fees | Unlike government-backed loans (e.g., VA and USDA loans), conventional loans do not require upfront funding fees, reducing the borrower’s initial costs. |
Higher Loan Limits | Conventional loans often have higher loan limits than FHA loans, allowing borrowers to purchase more expensive properties. |
Investment Property and Second Homes | They can be used to finance investment properties and second homes, which is not always possible with government-backed loans. |
Fewer Restrictions | There are fewer restrictions on the type of property you can buy, and sellers might be more inclined to accept offers with conventional financing due to the perceived strength of the borrower. |
