A 650 credit score is considered “fair” by most lenders, which means you should be able to qualify for most credit cards and loans. However, interest rates and fees may be higher than those for people with higher credit scores.
Having a 650 credit score can be a good starting point for building your credit history, but it’s important to remember that you can’t get a “good” credit score overnight. With a little patience and consistent credit use, you can increase your score to a more “good” level and unlock more options for your future.
Overview of a 650 Credit Score
Your credit score is a number that tells lenders how reliable you are when it comes to paying back loans and credit cards. It can affect the terms of your loans and the interest rate you pay.
A 650 credit score is considered “fair” by most credit scoring systems, but a little bit of improvement can put you in the “good” or even “excellent” range and open up many more options for you.
You can start by checking your credit score for free and learning more about what factors impact it, plus ways to keep improving it. A little patience and consistently responsible use of credit can help you climb the ladder and unlock a world of opportunities.
With a 650 credit score, you can get a variety of cards, including starter credit cards, store credit cards and secured credit cards. Some of these cards offer extra perks like rewards and no annual fees. Getting a loan is also possible, but you’ll need to make sure the lender offers fair terms.
Credit Card Options with a 650 Credit Score
Credit cards are a great way to manage your spending, earn rewards and build your credit. They also offer an incentive to pay off your balances in full each month.
If you have a 650 credit score, you might consider applying for an unsecured credit card that offers a 0% introductory APR. If you can keep your balance low and make on-time payments, a 0% APR is an excellent way to quickly boost your credit.
Alternatively, you can apply for a secured credit card. These are similar to unsecured credit cards, but you must pay a security deposit before you can use them.
Many credit cards that accept applicants with fair credit have a low annual fee, and some offer rewards like cash back or points. Depending on your spending habits, you may want to look for a card that rewards you for specific categories like gas or groceries.
Auto Loans with a 650 Credit Score
When shopping for an auto loan, your credit score is one of the most important factors in determining your interest rate and your overall financing options. In fact, a high credit score can save you significant money in the long run.
Typically, consumers with credit scores above 600 qualify for traditional auto loans from banks, credit unions and nonbank financial institutions. But lenders also offer a variety of loans for people with less than excellent credit.
Lenders will consider your credit score along with other factors like payment history, steady income and debt-to-income ratio to determine whether you are a good candidate for an auto loan. In some cases, you may need a cosigner with higher credit to help improve your chances of getting approved for an auto loan.
Personal Loan Options with a 650 Credit Score
If you have a 650 credit score, you can qualify for personal loans from a number of lenders. These loans are used to consolidate debt, cover emergency expenses or make home improvements.
A 650 credit score is considered fair, and can help you secure loans at low interest rates and fewer fees. However, a fair credit score also means you have a higher risk of loan default.
Besides your credit score, a lender may consider your income and debts when deciding whether to give you a loan. They may require you to put up collateral if they are concerned about your ability to repay the loan.
If you want to avoid high interest costs, choose a shorter repayment term. This keeps monthly payments affordable and helps you clear the debt sooner.
Mortgages with a 650 Credit Score
If you have a credit score of 650, you may be able to qualify for a mortgage. However, the rate and terms that you receive will likely not be the best.
Your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI, will play a major role in determining how much you can borrow. You can improve your DTI and increase the amount of money you can borrow by paying down your debts and reducing the balances on your existing credit cards.
You can also choose from several mortgage loan types. These include conventional loans, VA and FHA loans.
Conventional home loans typically require a minimum credit score of 620, but you can get one with a credit score of 650 if you have an adequate down payment or if the lender works with Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. You can also get a USDA loan, but this type of mortgage is slightly harder to qualify for. It has lower credit score requirements than conventional loans, but you must pay mortgage insurance if you have less than 20% equity in your home.