A 740 credit score is a very good score. Very good scores range from 740 to 799.
A very good score is proof that a consumer has a long history of excellent financial management.
Borrowers with high scores can generally be trusted to adhere to their financial obligations and manage multiple credit accounts. If you have a 740 FICO Score, keep reading to learn more about your financing options and loan terms.
Key Takeaways for a 740 Credit Score
Overview of Your
Credit Rating
740 is in the “very good” credit category. Very good scores are viewed favorably by lenders when making approval decisions.
Borrowing Options With a
740 Credit Score
Borrowers with very good scores may have no issues qualifying for secured and unsecured loans.
Maintaining a 740
Credit/FICO Score
You can maintain your 740 credit score by limiting your credit inquiries, avoiding late payments, and keeping your credit utilization low.
Is a 740 Credit Score Good?
A 740 score is better than good, as it is a score within the “very good” category. This score is much higher than the average credit score, which means you are a favorable applicant for lenders. You excel at maintaining a reasonable amount of debt and can be reasonably expected to repay your monthly bills on time. A very good credit score can make it easier for you to get quick cash loans when you need them at decent rates.
What Can You Get Approved for With a 740 Credit Score?
Borrowers with good credit scores can usually get approval for the following loan options:
Personal Loans
A personal loan is a versatile loan option for borrowers who have very good credit scores. Personal loans can be used for almost any emergency expense, such as a car repair or dental bill. You can expect to get attractive rates and terms with such a good credit score. But it’s still a good idea to compare lenders to find the right loan offer for your situation.
Bank Loans
A bank loan can help you get funding for all types of expenses, such as home improvements, tuition, new cars, and more. If you have a good credit score, you can usually get approved for almost any bank loan. But remember that some installment loans may have additional qualification requirements. For example, a home equity loan may require your property to have a specific amount of equity for funding.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are generally easy to get with good credit scores. However, the best rewards cards and rates are usually reserved for higher scores. If you have a 740 score, you could qualify for a credit card that maximizes the benefits you get from everyday spending.
These are some of the best credit cards for good to excellent credit scores:
Credit Card | Rewards |
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | – 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel – 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | – 2% unlimited cash back on purchases |
Chase Freedom Unlimited® | – 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel – 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining – 3% on all other purchases |
Discover it® Cash Back | – Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases – Every $1 you earn is worth $1 when you redeem |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | – 6% cash back on groceries and select streaming subscriptions – 3% cash back on transit and gas – 1% cash back on other purchases |
Hilton Honors American Express Card | – 7X Hilton Honors bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio – 5X points per dollar on restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations – 3X points for all other eligible purchases |
Auto Loans
Borrowers with good credit can get decent APRs on auto loans. Used car rates are generally consistently higher than new car rates, but a good credit score can help you get a reasonable rate on a used vehicle. Keep in mind that your monthly payment for an auto loan will depend on your repayment plan as well as your APR. If you want to reduce the cost of an auto loan, consider providing a higher down payment or opting for a shorter repayment length.
Products To Help Maintain a 740 Credit Score
These are some available products that can help you maintain a good credit score:
Credit Monitoring
Monitoring your credit can help you stay up-to-date on your current credit position. But unfortunately, nearly 31% of Americans don’t know their credit score.¹ There are various ways to check your credit score for free. Credit scores are usually displayed on loan or credit card statements, or you can use a free credit monitoring service, such as Credit Karma.
Budgeting Apps
A budgeting app can help you manage your credit accounts, which can reflect positively on your credit history. Budgeting apps provide useful features, such as bill payment, expense tracking,
- YNAB
- EveryDollar
- Goodbudget
- PocketGuard
- Honeydue
Automatic Payments
Signing up for automatic payments can help you avoid late payments that can decrease your credit score. When a payment is more than 30 days late, it can appear on your credit report. Late payments will remain on your credit report for up to seven years and can make it more challenging to maintain a good credit score.
Benefits of a 740 Credit Score
These are a few benefits you can expect to get with a 740 score:
Better Interest Rates
A good credit history can help you get low interest rates on loans, credit cards, and insurance policies. When your rates are low, your monthly payments can also be lower. Lower monthly payments can help you keep more money in your pocket for saving, investing, or other expenses.
Higher Credit Limits
Lenders generally only offer high credit limits to borrowers with good credit scores. A higher credit limit raises your spending and cash withdrawal limits. Higher credit limits can also improve your credit utilization if you keep your credit card debt low.
More Housing Options
When you apply for an apartment, the landlord will consider your credit history. If you have a very good credit score and sufficient income, you may get approved for almost any apartment. Good credit indicates that you pay your bills on time and will likely not fall behind on rent payments.
How To Maintain Your 740 Credit Score
Here are a few ways you can maintain your higher credit score:
Limit Your Credit Inquiries
By limiting your credit inquiries, you can maintain your hard-earned credit score. Every time you submit a credit application, the lender will conduct a hard credit check to view your credit reports. Every hard inquiry can decrease your credit by a few points, which is why it’s best to limit the number of inquiries you make.
Monitor Your Credit Reports
Monitoring your credit reports is critical to maintain a good credit score. Negative information on a credit report can hurt your credit history, and unfortunately, it’s possible for credit bureaus to make mistakes. Monitoring your reports allows you to spot and dispute any incorrect information.
Reduce Your Credit Usage
Your outstanding credit card debt directly affects your credit score. If your credit utilization is too high, you can decrease your credit score. If you want to maintain your current credit score or work on getting an excellent credit score, keep your credit card debt as low as possible. Paying more than the minimum and only buying what you can afford to repay quickly can help you avoid too much outstanding debt.
FAQs About 740 Credit Scores
How does my payment history affect my 740 credit score?
Your payment history is a crucial component of your credit score. Consistently making payments on time can positively impact your score, as it demonstrates to lenders that you’re a reliable borrower. Even with a 740 score, it’s essential to maintain good habits. Late payments can negatively affect your score, so keep up with your obligations to avoid any dips.
Can opening a new personal loan or revolving credit account lower my 740 credit score?
Initially, opening a new account might slightly lower your score due to a hard inquiry on your credit report. However, managing a new personal loan or revolving credit account responsibly can positively affect your score over time. It diversifies your credit mix and, if payments are made on time, can improve your credit history and potentially increase your score.
How do different credit scoring models view a 740 credit score?
While a 740 credit score is generally considered very good, different credit scoring models may interpret it slightly differently based on their unique algorithms. Factors like your credit mix, the age of your accounts, and recent credit inquiries might weigh differently. However, across most models, a 740 score indicates financial health and responsible credit management.
Will having a longer credit history improve my 740 credit score?
Yes, a more extended credit history can positively impact your score. It provides more data on your financial behavior over time, which can reassure lenders of your reliability. If you’ve maintained a 740 score with a shorter history, extending the length of your credit history without increasing your debt significantly can further enhance your creditworthiness.
Is it easier to get approved for a personal loan with a 740 credit score?
Absolutely! A 740 credit score opens up many doors in terms of borrowing options. Lenders view you as a lower-risk borrower, which can make it easier to get approved for a personal loan with favorable terms and interest rates. However, it’s still important to shop around and compare personal loan offers to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible for your financial situation.
What Interest Rate Can I Get With a 740 Credit Score?
Consumers with higher credit scores can generally get desirable rates on all types of financial products. Lower rates can significantly reduce the amount you pay to borrow emergency funds. Typically, extended repayment plans on installment loans can result in high loan fees. However, a low rate can lower your monthly payments and total interest fees.
Can I Buy a House With a 740 Credit Score?
Consumers do not necessarily need good credit to purchase a home. However, if you have a 740 score, you could get more loan options and better interest rates compared to low-credit borrowers. As of March 20, 2024, the average 30-year fixed mortgage APR is 6.84%.² But if you have a score higher than the national average, you may get an even better rate on a conventional mortgage.
