660-699 Credit Score

Q: Is 680 considered good credit?

It's 'almost good.' While you'll qualify for most loans, you won't get the lowest rates until 700+.

Q: How fast can I go from 680 to 700?

With focused effort (9% utilization, error disputes), many see 20-40 point gains in 60-90 days.

How Close Are You to a ‘Good’ Credit Score?

You’re so close to the coveted 700+ “Good” credit tier – but that last 1-40 point gap could be costing you thousands in extra interest. This guide reveals:
✔ Exactly what financial doors a 660-699 score opens (and which remain shut)
✔ 5 surprisingly fast tricks to cross the 700 threshold
✔ Real APR comparisons showing what you’re overpaying

Loan Type	660-699 APR	700+ APR	Savings at 700+
30-Year Mortgage	4.25%	3.75%	$112/month
$25K Auto Loan	6.9%	5.2%	$1,200 total
Credit Card	18.5%	15.9%	N/A

*Data sourced from Q2 2023 Federal Reserve reports*

💰 See Your Potential Savings at 700+

Current Score:

660 680 699

Estimated auto loan APR: 6.5% → 5.2% at 700+

Potential savings: $1,200 over 5 years

Let’s get you into the 700 club!

🔍 What Does a 660-699 Score Really Get You?

This range is the financial “almost there” zone – better than average, but not quite premium.

Improve Your Credit Score Today!

✅ APPROVED (But Pay More):
• Mortgages: FHA & conventional (but ~0.25% higher APR than 700+)
• Auto Loans: Average 6.5% APR (vs. 5.2% for 700+)
• Unsecured Credit Cards: Basic rewards cards (but rarely premium travel cards)

❌ STILL DIFFICULT:
• Chase Sapphire/American Express Gold cards
• Lowest insurance premiums
• Luxury apartment approvals

💡 Expert Tip:
*”Lenders see 660-699 as ‘medium risk.’ Just 30 more points could save you $1,200 on a car loan.”*

📈 5 Fast Tactics to Hit 700+

1. The “9% Utilization” Hack

Pay down balances before statement dates to show <9% utilization (vs. common 30% advice)
Pro Tip: Set calendar reminders for 3 days before statement closes

2. Become an Authorized User

Get added to a family member’s old, low-utilization card
⚠️ Avoid cards with late payments or high balances

3. Dispute “Gray Area” Errors

Challenge:
- Late payments under $100
- Medical collections under 1 year old
Use this free template: Sample Dispute Letter

4. Strategic Credit Mix

Improve Your Credit Score Today!

Add a credit-builder loan (e.g., Self or Credit Strong)
Even a $500 loan can boost scores 20+ points

5. Request Limit Increases

Script:“Hi [Issuer], I’ve been a customer since [date] with on-time payments. Could you review my credit limit?”
Best targets: Cards you’ve had >6 months

🔗 Need Help Monitoring? Track your progress here.

🗒️ Is YOUR score stuck at 660-699?
Check these common culprits:
• Credit cards >30% utilized?
• Old errors on reports?
• Less than 3 credit accounts?

💸 What You’re Overpaying Right Now

A 699 vs. 700 score might seem trivial – but lenders see them differently:

Data sourced from Q2 2023 Federal Reserve reports

Frequently Asked Questions

🔹 Is 680 considered good credit?

It’s “almost good.” While you’ll qualify for most loans, you won’t get the lowest rates until you reach 700+. The difference between 699 and 700 can mean 0.25% lower APR on mortgages.

🔹 How fast can I go from 680 to 700?

With focused effort (maintaining 9% utilization, disputing errors), many see 20-40 point gains in 60-90 days. The fastest improvements typically come from reducing credit card balances and correcting reporting errors.

🔹 Will closing old cards hurt my 680 score?

Yes! Closing cards reduces your total credit limit, which can increase your utilization ratio and drop scores. If the card has no annual fee, consider keeping it open and making small purchases occasionally.

🔹 Should I apply for new credit to improve my mix?

Only if you need it. While credit mix affects 10% of your score, the hard inquiry from applications can cause a short-term dip. Consider a credit-builder loan instead, which doesn’t require a hard pull.

Improve Your Credit Score Today!