A credit score is a number that’s assigned to you based on your debt-management history. It’s calculated by looking at things like your payment history on credit accounts, the total amount of credit you use compared to available credit and how long you’ve had credit.
A credit score is good or bad depending on how you manage it. Keeping track of your score is the best way to know whether it’s going up or down, and what you can do to improve it.
Overview of a 654 Credit Score
A 654 credit score is classified as “Fair.” It is lower than the average American credit score, but it isn’t bad. You can still obtain credit cards and loans with a 654 credit score, but you’ll likely face higher interest rates than those with a higher credit score.
You can improve your 654 credit score by taking steps to build a stronger financial foundation. This includes paying your bills on time, avoiding collection activity and keeping your credit utilization below 30%.
Your credit score is based on your payment history, the types of credit you have, and how long you’ve been using those accounts. Your total amount of debt also counts towards your score, but if you have a lot of different accounts and owe more than you can afford to pay back, you’ll have a poor credit score.
Credit Card Options with a 654 Credit Score
Your FICO credit score is a great indicator of your financial health, and it can be a good start point to get the best rates on loans and credit cards. However, your credit score can still be negatively affected by late payments or other negative factors that appear on your report.
To avoid lowering your 654 credit score, make sure you always pay your bills on time. This is the biggest factor that affects your credit score.
Secured cards are usually a necessity for consumers with low credit scores and can be an effective way to start rebuilding your credit history. You can apply for a secured card with a bank or credit union by making a security deposit equal to your credit line.
Some cards have lucrative introductory offers, like 0% interest on purchases or balance transfers for a period of time after your card is approved. Other cards offer ongoing rewards, such as 1.5% cash back on all standard purchases, which is enough to cover the annual fee.
Auto Loans with a 654 Credit Score
There are a few options available to people with a 654 credit score when it comes to car loans. Whether you need to borrow money for a new vehicle or refinance an existing auto loan, you’ll want to shop around carefully and find the best terms.
One way to help increase your chances of getting approved for a new car loan is to make a down payment. This can improve your loan approval odds and lower the amount of interest you pay overall, based on the average rate for your credit score.
Having a cosigner can also be helpful, especially if you have poor credit and can’t get the loan on your own. Adding a person with good credit to your application can greatly increase your chances of being approved and getting a better interest rate.
Personal Loan Options with a 654 Credit Score
Generally, you need a good credit score to qualify for a personal loan. However, there are lenders that will work with borrowers with less than excellent credit scores.
Fair credit is typically defined as a FICO score between 580 and 669 or a VantageScore between 601 and 660. You can find loans that offer lower interest rates and terms for borrowers with a fair credit score.
To help you find the best personal loan for your situation, you should shop around and compare as many lenders as possible. Don’t forget to consider not just interest rates, but also repayment terms, fees, and credit requirements.
Some lenders will even let you prequalify for a loan so you can see if you qualify without hurting your credit. Then, you can decide which lender to choose and pick your loan option.
Mortgages with a 654 Credit Score
Your credit score is one of the most important financial indicators in your life. It determines whether you’ll be approved for a loan or credit card and what your interest rate will be.
A 654 credit score is considered “fair.” Fortunately, there are many mortgages available with this score. These include conventional loans, FHA loans, and VA (veterans’) loans.
Getting a home loan with a 654 credit score is not always easy, but there are ways to increase your odds of qualifying. The first step is repairing your credit so that lenders see you as an applicant who’s worth their time and effort.
You can start by pulling your credit reports from all 3 major bureaus and identifying any negative, harmful items that are keeping your credit score suppressed. You can then dispute these items to have them removed from your credit report for good.