A 650 credit score is considered fair. Your score helps lenders decide whether you qualify for products like credit cards and loans, and what interest rate you should pay.
The share of Americans with a score below 650 was 24% as of April 2023, according to credit scoring company FICO. A 650 credit score is not considered "bad" by both FICO and its competitor VantageScore. Generally speaking, scores below 630 fall into the bad range.
Here’s how a 650 credit score can affect your financial life.
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With a 650 score, you may pay higher rates than others
As someone with a 650 credit score, you are firmly in the “fair” territory of credit. You can usually qualify for financial products like a mortgage or car loan, but you will likely pay higher interest rates than someone with a better credit score. The "good" credit range starts at 690.
Credit scores change often based on your activity, so your 650 score can go up. Here are some tools you can use to build credit:
Take your good credit habits to the next level: Pay all your bills on time and try to use no more than 30% of the credit limit on all your credit cards. Those are the two biggest factors affecting your credit score. The less you use of your available credit, the better it is for your score. Opening a new credit card that's used for one small recurring purchase can also help, just make sure to research eligibility requirements before applying.
Apply for a secured credit card, a type of card that's backed by a cash deposit.
Visit your local credit union to get a credit-builder loan or secured loan. A credit-builder loan allows you to build your score and save up some money at the same time.
Ask a family member or friend with a high credit score and long credit history to add you as an authorized user on their credit card. That gives you an additional line of credit on your credit report.
Get more financial clarity with NerdWallet
Monitor your credit, track your spending and see all of your finances together in a single place.
A 650 credit score is generally a fair score. While a lot of people have fair scores, you may still find it difficult to get approved for credit without high fees and interest rates with a score in this range.
A 650 credit score is generally a fair score. While a lot of people have fair scores, you may still find it difficult to get approved for credit without high fees and interest rates with a score in this range.
How does NerdWallet get my free credit report and score? NerdWallet partners with TransUnion® to provide your TransUnion® credit report. Using the data in your credit report, it also provides your VantageScore® 3.0 credit score. Your score and credit report information are updated weekly.
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Some individuals may see significant improvements within a few months, while others may take a year or more to achieve their desired score. Ultimately, the key to improving your credit is consistency and responsible financial management.
You can borrow as much as $40,000 - $100,000+ with a 650 credit score. The exact amount of money you will get depends on other factors besides your credit score, such as your income, your employment status, the type of loan you get, and even the lender.
Checking your credit score on NerdWallet only prompts a soft inquiry on your credit report - not a hard inquiry - and will never impact your score in any way, no matter how often you check it. This article includes more detail about this: Does Checking My Credit Score Lower It?
Consider whether your primary concern is tracking your finances or managing your credit score. Credit Karma is likely the best option for you if your primary concern is managing or improving your credit score. If your primary concern is budgeting and finance tracking, NerdWallet is likely the better choice.
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NerdWallet recommends the 50/30/20 budget, which suggests that 50% of your income goes toward needs, 30% toward wants and 20% toward savings and debt repayment. Monitor your credit, track your spending and see all of your finances together in a single place.
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As someone with a 650 credit score, you are firmly in the “fair” territory of credit. You can usually qualify for financial products like a mortgage or car loan, but you will likely pay higher interest rates than someone with a better credit score. The "good" credit range starts at 690.
Consider yourself in “good” shape if your credit score is above the average for people in your age group. Given that the average credit score for people aged 18 to 26 is 680, a score between 680 and 690 (the average for people aged 27 to 42) could be considered “good.”
If you want to help improve your 650 credit score, there are several ways you may be able to do this. Some tips to help improve your credit include, but are not limited to: Paying off debts.Building a positive credit history through on-time, consistent payments.
Yes, a 650 credit score is typically considered fair and you can qualify for loans, but the terms and interest rates may not be as favourable for you compared to those with higher scores. Lenders may have varying criteria, so shopping around and comparing offers is essential to find the best option.
The major credit bureaus have different credit scoring categories, and a good credit score is between 670 and 739. A 650 is on the high end of the fair credit score category, which ranges from 580 to 669. A 650 credit score will help you qualify for most home loans, but you may end up with a higher interest rate.
For a score with a range between 300 and 850, a credit score of 700 or above is generally considered good. A score of 800 or above on the same range is considered to be excellent. Most consumers have credit scores that fall between 600 and 750. In 2023, the average FICO® Score☉ in the U.S. reached 715.
The best type of credit card for a 650 credit score is a card with high approval odds and low fees, like a starter credit card, a store credit card, or a secured credit card.
Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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