Who Has a 676 Credit Score?

Credit scores tend to increase with age, as people have more time to build a positive payment history. According to Experian data from 2023, the average FICO score varies significantly across different generations:

• Ages 18-26 (Generation Z): 680
• Ages 27-42 (Millennials): 690
• Ages 43-58 (Generation X): 709
• Ages 59-77 (Baby Boomers): 745
• Ages 78+ (Silent Generation): 760

Credit Cards With a 676 Credit Score

A credit score of 676 places you in the "fair" credit range, which is a decent starting point for getting a new credit card. While you'll likely qualify for a variety of cards, you may not have access to the most premium options with the best rewards and lowest interest rates. Lenders will generally view your score as average, meaning you can expect approvals but with potentially higher APRs and lower credit limits than applicants with "good" or "excellent" credit.

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Kudos offers AI-powered tools that analyze your unique spending habits and financial goals to provide personalized credit card recommendations. These tools also offer insights into how a new card might impact your credit score and whether its annual fee is justified by your spending, ensuring you find a card that truly fits your financial situation.

Auto Loans and a 676 Credit Score

With a 676 credit score, you fall into the "prime" borrower category, which means you have a good chance of being approved for an auto loan but will not get the lowest interest rates available. These rates vary significantly based on credit score, as shown in a 2025 market analysis.

• 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

Mortgages at a 676 Credit Score

With a 676 credit score, you are in a solid position to secure a mortgage. This score generally meets the minimum requirements for several major loan types, including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. Lenders will likely view you as a moderate-risk borrower, opening up more financing avenues than would be available to applicants with scores below 620.

While you are likely to be approved, a 676 score will affect your loan terms. You won't qualify for the most competitive interest rates, which are typically reserved for borrowers with scores in the 740s or higher. Additionally, if you opt for a conventional loan with a down payment under 20%, you may face higher private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums.

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 generally boils down to a handful of key elements. The most common factors include:

• Your payment history, which tracks whether you pay your bills on time, is the most significant factor.
• Credit utilization, or the amount of credit you're using compared to your total available credit, also plays a major role.
• The length of your credit history demonstrates your experience with managing credit over time.
• Having a healthy mix of different types of credit, such as credit cards and installment loans, can positively impact your score.
• Finally, recent credit inquiries, which occur when you apply for new credit, are also taken into account.

How to Improve Your 676 Credit Score

While a 676 credit score is considered good, it's always possible to improve your score and unlock better financial opportunities. With consistent, positive behavior, you can see meaningful changes and improve your financial health.

• Reduce your credit utilization ratio. Lenders want to see that you aren't maxing out your credit cards, so aim to keep your usage below 30% of your total available credit. Paying down balances shows you can manage debt responsibly, which can give your score a significant lift.
• Establish automatic bill payments. Your payment history is the most influential factor in your credit score, and a single late payment can set you back. Setting up automatic payments is a simple way to ensure you always pay on time, building a positive history that lenders love to see.
• Monitor your credit reports regularly. Errors on your credit report could be unfairly suppressing your score, and it's up to you to find and dispute them. Checking your reports from all three bureaus helps you catch inaccuracies and signs of identity theft that could be harming your credit.
• Become an authorized user. If a family member has a long-standing credit card account with a low balance and perfect payment history, ask them to add you as an authorized user. Their good habits will be reflected on your credit report, which can help lengthen your credit history and lower your utilization.

To make the most of your cards as you build your credit, the Kudos browser extension can help you maximize rewards and spend smarter.