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647 Credit score: What You Need to Know in 2025
July 1, 2025
TL;DR
A 647 credit score is a solid starting point, positioning you to qualify for a range of credit products. According to the FICO scoring model, this score is considered 'Fair,' which means you're well on your way to building an even stronger financial future.
What Does a 647 Credit Score Mean?
A 647 credit score places you in the "fair" category on the FICO scoring model. While not considered "poor," this score suggests to lenders that you pose a moderate risk. Consequently, you may be approved for loans or credit cards, but likely with less favorable terms. This could mean higher interest rates or lower credit limits, impacting the overall cost of borrowing.
However, a 647 score is a crucial pivot point. It's a solid foundation from which to build, and moving into the "good" credit range—typically starting at 670—is an achievable goal. Improving your score can unlock more attractive financial products and save you significant money, opening doors to a more secure financial future.
Who Has a 647 Credit Score?
According to 2023 Experian data, the average credit score generally increases with age. Here is the breakdown by generation:
- Generation Z (ages 18-26): 680
- Millennials (ages 27-42): 690
- Generation X (ages 43-58): 709
- Baby Boomers (ages 59-77): 745
- Silent Generation (ages 78+): 760
Credit Cards With a 647 Credit Score
A credit score of 647 places you in the "fair" credit range, which can be a mixed bag when applying for new credit cards. While many lenders see this as a starting point for approval, you may find your options are more limited compared to those with good or excellent credit. You'll likely qualify for certain cards, but they may come with higher interest rates and fewer premium perks than top-tier offerings.
Kudos can help you navigate your options with its AI-powered Explore Tool, which acts as a personalized credit card matchmaker by asking what you're looking for in a card. It then uses your preferences to sift through nearly 3,000 cards, showing you the best options for your financial situation and explaining how each one fits your needs.
Auto Loans and a 647 Credit Score
A credit score of 647 places you in the non-prime borrower category, which means you can likely get approved for an auto loan. However, this score will result in higher interest rates compared to borrowers with stronger credit profiles.
- Super-prime (781-850): 5.25% for new cars and 7.13% for used cars
- Prime (661-780): 6.87% for new cars and 9.36% for used cars
- Non-prime (601-660): 9.83% for new cars and 13.92% for used cars
- Subprime (501-600): 13.18% for new cars and 18.86% for used cars
- Deep subprime (300-500): 15.77% for new cars and 21.55% for used cars
*Rates are based on Experian's Q2 2025 data.
Mortgages at a 647 Credit Score
A 647 credit score is generally high enough to qualify for several types of home loans. This score meets the typical minimums for conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, giving you multiple paths to homeownership. According to a Kudos mortgage guide, the only common mortgage you likely won't qualify for is a jumbo loan, which usually requires a score of 700 or higher.
However, your 647 score will lead to less favorable terms. Lenders will likely offer a higher interest rate than borrowers with excellent credit, resulting in a larger monthly payment. This difference can cost tens of thousands more in interest over the loan's term. You may also face higher private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums on a conventional loan.
What's in a Credit Score?
Figuring out what goes into your credit score can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle, but it's primarily based on a handful of key financial habits. The most common factors include:
- Your payment history tracks whether you have paid past credit accounts on time.
- Credit utilization is the percentage of your available credit that you are currently using.
- The length of your credit history considers the age of your oldest account and the average age of all your accounts.
- Having a healthy mix of credit types, such as credit cards and installment loans, can positively impact your score.
- Recent credit inquiries and newly opened accounts can temporarily lower your score.
How to Improve Your 647 Credit Score
Your credit score plays a crucial role in your financial life, but it isn't set in stone; it is always possible to improve your creditworthiness with consistent effort. According to expert guidance, most people see meaningful changes within three to six months of positive financial behavior.
- Monitor your credit reports. Errors on credit reports are common, and removing them can provide a quick boost to lift you out of the 'fair' credit range. Regularly checking also allows you to track your progress and detect potential identity theft.
- Reduce your credit utilization ratio. This is the second most important factor in your score, and keeping your total balance below 30% of your credit limit is critical. For a 647 score, paying down balances is one of the fastest ways to see a significant improvement.
- Become an authorized user. Being added to an account with a long, positive payment history can add that account's good standing to your own credit file. This strategy can help someone with a 647 score lengthen their credit history and lower their overall utilization.
- Apply for a secured credit card. A secured card is an excellent tool for building a positive payment history if you have trouble getting approved for unsecured cards. Making on-time payments helps raise your 647 score as the activity is reported to the credit bureaus.
Using a tool like the Kudos browser extension can help you find the right credit-building products and maximize rewards as you improve your score.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
